System and method for measuring payload dosage in a vaporization device

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a vape device configured to determine the dose of a payload delivered to a user during each of a plurality of user inhalations. In a first embodiment, the vape device tracks the energy used to vaporize a portion of the payload during user inhalation to determine the dose. In a second embodiment, the vape device measures the temperature at multiple locations within the air flow chamber during user inhalation to determine the dose. In a third embodiment, the vape device measures the intensity of light that is transmitted through the vaporized payload, reflected off the vaporized payload, or transmitted through a light transmitting medium positioned within the vaporized payload, during user inhalation to determine the dose. In a fourth embodiment, the vape device utilizes hot wire anemometers to determine the mass of the vaporized payload that was delivered to the user during each user inhalation and/or to determine the size and density distribution of the droplets in the vaporized payload and use such distribution to calculate the total mass of the vaporized payload that was delivered to the user during each user inhalation. The disclosed methods may be used independently, or in any combination, in accordance with the invention.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/813,845, filed on Mar. 5, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/899,828, filed on Sep. 13, 2019, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present disclosure is generally related to the field of personal vaporizer devices and, in particular, to systems and methods for measuring the dosage of a vaporized payload that is delivered to the user of a personal vaporizer device.

2. Description of Related Art

The use of personal vaporizer devices or “vape devices” for consuming cannabis, tobacco products, and other substances has grown significantly. In a basic form, a vape device consists of an atomizer, a battery, a switch for connecting the battery to the atomizer, and a reservoir that contains an amount of payload (e.g., cannabis oil) to be vaporized by the atomizer. Controlling the vape device merely entails closing the switch so that current passes from the battery through a coil of the atomizer whereby the atomizer heats up and begins to vaporize a portion of the payload. The vapor—i.e., the cloud-like emission from a vape device that may be some combination of actual gas phase vapor and aerosol—is then inhaled by the user so that the desired components (e.g., THC, CBD, etc.) are delivered for medical or recreational purposes.

While there are a few conventional vape devices that attempt to determine the dosage of a vaporized payload delivered to a user, they use inaccurate methods that offer poor dose metering performance. It is technically difficult to accurately measure the dose administered by a vape device because, for example, vapor density can be inconsistent and operating conditions will vary. As such, medicinal patients are unsure of the dosage that they have consumed at any given time, which limits the repeatability and efficacy of the drug's effects. Also, recreational users may experience different effects (desirable and undesirable) depending on dosage. Thus, there remains a need in the art for a vape device that accurately measures the dose of a payload delivered to a user and/or that offers other advantages compared to conventional vape devices.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a vape device for determining the dose of a payload delivered to a user during each of a plurality of user inhalations (commonly referred to as a “draw” or “drag” or “puff”). The vape device may use four different methods, independently or in any combination, to measure the portion of the payload that is vaporized during each user inhalation. The first method tracks the energy used to vaporize the payload portion during user inhalation in order to determine the mass of the vaporized payload; the second method measures the temperature at multiple locations within the air flow chamber during the user inhalation (and optionally before and after the user inhalation) to determine the vapor density and by extension the mass of the vaporized payload; the third method measures the intensity of light that is transmitted through the vaporized payload, reflected off the vaporized payload, or transmitted through a light transmitting medium positioned within the vaporized payload, before, during, and after user inhalation to determine the vapor density and by extension the mass of the vaporized payload; and the fourth method utilizes hot wire anemometers to determine the mass of the vaporized payload that was delivered to the user during each user inhalation and/or to determine the size and density distribution of the droplets in the vaporized payload and use such distribution to calculate the total mass of the vaporized payload that was delivered to the user during each user inhalation. More accurate dose metering is beneficial to both medicinal and recreational users insofar as they will be able to accurately measure their dosage to obtain the desired effects in a repeatable fashion.

A vape device for determining a dose of a payload delivered to a user during each of a plurality of user inhalations in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein comprises: a payload reservoir configured to contain a payload to be vaporized; a power source configured to generate a power signal during each respective user inhalation; an atomizer configured to receive the power signal and vaporize a portion of the payload to thereby generate a vaporized payload during each respective user inhalation; and a microcontroller programmed to determine a dose of the vaporized payload for each respective user inhalation based on: (a) determining an amount of energy used to vaporize the portion of the payload during the user inhalation; and (b) determining a partial mass of the payload that is vaporized during the user inhalation based on the amount of energy used to vaporize the portion of the payload during the user inhalation.

A method for determining a dose of a payload delivered to a user of a vape device during each of a plurality of user inhalations in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein comprises: holding a payload to be vaporized; vaporizing a portion of the payload by transmitting a power signal from a power source to an atomizer to thereby generate a vaporized payload during each respective user inhalation; and determining a dose of the vaporized payload for each respective user inhalation based on: (a) determining an amount of energy used to vaporize the portion of the payload during the user inhalation; and (b) determining a partial mass of the payload that is vaporized during the user inhalation based on the amount of energy used to vaporize the portion of the payload during the user inhalation.

A vape device for determining a dose of a payload delivered to a user during each of a plurality of user inhalations in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein comprises: a payload reservoir configured to contain a payload to be vaporized; an air flow chamber that extends between an inlet and an outlet; an atomizer positioned between the inlet and the outlet of the air flow chamber, wherein the atomizer is configured to vaporize a portion of the payload to thereby generate a vaporized payload during each respective user inhalation; and a microcontroller programmed to determine a dose of the vaporized payload for each respective user inhalation based on: (a) a plurality of temperature measurements obtained within the air flow chamber during the user inhalation; and (b) an air flow rate within the air flow chamber during the user inhalation.

A method for determining a dose of a payload delivered to a user of a vape device during each of a plurality of user inhalations in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein comprises: holding a payload to be vaporized; vaporizing a portion of the payload with an atomizer positioned between an inlet and an outlet of an air flow chamber to thereby generate a vaporized payload during each respective user inhalation; and determining a dose of the vaporized payload for each respective user inhalation based on: (a) a plurality of temperature measurements obtained within the air flow chamber during the user inhalation; and (b) an air flow rate within the air flow chamber during the user inhalation.

A vape device for determining a dose of a payload delivered to a user during each of a plurality of user inhalations in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein comprises: a payload reservoir configured to contain a payload to be vaporized; an air flow chamber that extends between an inlet and an outlet; an atomizer positioned between the inlet and the outlet of the air flow chamber, wherein the atomizer is configured to vaporize a portion of the payload to thereby generate a vaporized payload during each respective user inhalation; and a microcontroller programmed to determine a dose of the vaporized payload for each respective user inhalation based on a plurality of light intensity measurements obtained during the user inhalation, wherein the light intensity measurements are associated with light that is transmitted through the vaporized payload, reflected off the vaporized payload, or transmitted through a light transmitting medium positioned within the vaporized payload, when the vaporized payload passes through the air flow chamber.

A method for determining a dose of a payload delivered to a user of a vape device during each of a plurality of user inhalations in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein comprises: holding a payload to be vaporized; vaporizing a portion of the payload with an atomizer positioned between an inlet and an outlet of an air flow chamber to thereby generate a vaporized payload during each respective user inhalation; and determining a dose of the vaporized payload for each respective user inhalation based on a plurality of light intensity measurements obtained during the user inhalation, wherein the light intensity measurements are associated with light that is transmitted through the vaporized payload, reflected off the vaporized payload, or transmitted through a light transmitting medium positioned within the vaporized payload, when the vaporized payload passes through the air flow chamber.

A vape device for determining a dose of a payload delivered to a user during each of a plurality of user inhalations in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein comprises: a payload reservoir configured to contain a payload to be vaporized; an air flow chamber that extends between an inlet and an outlet; an atomizer located between the inlet and the outlet of the air flow chamber, wherein the atomizer is configured to vaporize a portion of the payload to thereby generate a vaporized payload during each respective user inhalation; at least one sampling hot wire anemometer located within the air flow chamber between the atomizer and the outlet, wherein the sampling hot wire anemometer is incorporated into a circuit configured to determine a number of droplets of the vaporized payload passing by the sampling hot wire anemometer during each respective user inhalation; and a microcontroller programmed to determine a dose of the vaporized payload for each respective user inhalation based on the number of droplets of the vaporized payload.

A method for determining a dose of a payload delivered to a user of a vape device during each of a plurality of user inhalations in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the invention described herein comprises: holding a payload to be vaporized; vaporizing a portion of the payload with an atomizer positioned between an inlet and an outlet of an air flow chamber to thereby generate a vaporized payload during each respective user inhalation; determining a number of droplets of the vaporized payload passing by at least one sampling hot wire anemometer located within the air flow chamber between the atomizer and the outlet during each respective user inhalation; and determining a dose of the vaporized payload for each respective user inhalation based on the number of droplets of the vaporized payload.

Various other embodiments and features of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, or will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the disclosure provided herein, or may be learned from the practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a vape device in accordance with the invention described herein.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a vape device in accordance with the invention described herein.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a vape device system that includes the vape device of FIG. 1 in wireless communication with a personal computing device.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary vape device that utilizes an energy usage method to determine the dose of vaporized payload delivered to a user.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary vape device that utilizes a temperature measurement method to determine the dose of vaporized payload delivered to a user.

FIGS. 6-13 are schematic diagrams of exemplary vape devices that utilize various light intensity measurement methods to determine the dose of vaporized payload delivered to a user.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary vape device that utilizes hot wire anemometers to determine the dose of vaporized payload delivered to a user.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram of exemplary components that may be incorporated into a vape device to determine the dose of vaporized payload delivered to a user and to determine the size and density distribution of the droplets in the vaporized payload.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a vape device for determining the dose of a payload delivered to a user during each of a plurality of user inhalations. While the invention will be described in detail below with reference to various exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific configuration or methodologies of any of these embodiments. In addition, although the exemplary embodiments are described as embodying several different inventive features, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any one of these features could be implemented without the others in accordance with the invention.

In this description, references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” or “embodiments” mean that the feature or features being described are included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Separate references to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” or “embodiments” in this description do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment and are also not mutually exclusive unless so stated and/or except as will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description. For example, a feature, structure, function, etc. described in one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments, but is not necessarily included. Thus, the present invention can include a variety of combinations and/or integrations of the embodiments described herein.

In this disclosure, the term “payload” refers to any payload suitable for a vape device. Non-limiting examples include a payload comprising nicotine, cannabis, a cannabinoid or a cannabis concentrate as an ingredient. The payload may include other components such as, without limitation, a viscosity modifying agent, a stabilizer, and a flavorant.

As used herein, the term “nicotine” can be of plant origin or of synthetic or semi-synthetic origin. For example, it can be extracted from tobacco leaves or obtained by chemical synthesis. Nicotine may also refer to a nicotine substitute, which is typically a molecule that is not addictive but has a sensory effect similar to that of nicotine.

As used herein, the term “cannabis” refers to a genus of flowering plant in the family Cannabaceae. The number of species within the genus is disputed. Three species may be recognized, Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and Cannabis ruderalis. C. ruderalis may be included within C. sativa; or all three may be treated as subspecies of a single species, C. sativa. The genus is indigenous to central Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

Cannabis has long been used for hemp fiber, hemp oils, medicinal purposes, and as a recreational drug. Industrial hemp products are made from cannabis plants selected to produce an abundance of fiber. To satisfy the UN Narcotics Convention, some cannabis strains have been bred to produce minimal levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the principal psychoactive constituent. Many additional plants have been selectively bred to produce a maximum level of THC. Various compounds, including hashish and hash oil, may be extracted from the plant.

Within naturally occurring and manmade hybrids, cannabis contains a vast array of compounds. Three compound classes are of interest within the context of the present disclosure, although other compounds can be present or added to the compositions to optimize the experience of a given recreational consumer and medical or medicinal patient or patient population. Those classes include cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids.

There are many ways of growing cannabis, some of which are natural, and some are carefully designed by humans, and they will not be recited here. However, one of ordinary skill in the art of cannabis production will typically place a cannabis seed or cutting into a growth media such as soil, manufactured soil designed for cannabis growth or one of many hydroponic growth media. The cannabis seed or cutting is then provided with water, light and, optionally, a nutrient supplement. At times, the atmosphere and temperature are manipulated to aid in the growth process. Typically, the humidity, air to carbon dioxide gas ratio and elevated temperature, either by use of a heat source or waste heat produced by artificial light, are used. On many occasions ventilation is carefully controlled to maintain the conditions described above within an optimal range to both increase the rate of growth and, optionally, maximize the plant's production of the compounds, which comprise the compositions of the disclosure. It is possible to control lighting cycles to optimize various growth parameters of the plant.

Given the number of variables and the complex interaction of the variables, it is possible to develop highly specific formulas for production of cannabis which lead to a variety of desired plant characteristics. The present disclosure is applicable to use with such inventive means for growing cannabis as well as any of the variety of conventional methods.

Cannabis sativa is an annual herbaceous plant in the Cannabis genus. It is a member of a small, but diverse family of flowering plants of the Cannabaceae family. It has been cultivated throughout recorded history, used as a source of industrial fiber, seed oil, food, recreation, religious and spiritual moods and medicine. Each part of the plant is harvested differently, depending on the purpose of its use. The species was first classified by Carl Linnaeus in 1753.

Cannabis indica, formally known as Cannabis sativa forma indica, is an annual plant in the Cannabaceae family. A putative species of the genus Cannabis.

Cannabis ruderalis is a low-THC species of Cannabis, which is native to Central and Eastern Europe and Russia. It is widely debated as to whether C. ruderalis is a sub-species of Cannabis sativa. Many scholars accept Cannabis ruderalis as its own species due to its unique traits and phenotypes that distinguish it from Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa.

As used herein, the term “cannabinoid” refers to a chemical compound belonging to a class of secondary compounds commonly found in plants of genus cannabis, but also encompasses synthetic and semi-synthetic cannabinoids.

The most notable cannabinoid is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD) is another cannabinoid that is a major constituent of the phytocannabinoids. There are at least 113 different cannabinoids isolated from cannabis, exhibiting varied effects.

Synthetic cannabinoids and semi-synthetic cannabinoids encompass a variety of distinct chemical classes, for example and without limitation: the classical cannabinoids structurally related to THC, the non-classical cannabinoids (cannabimimetics) including the aminoalkylindoles, 1,5 diarylpyrazoles, quinolines, and arylsulfonamides as well as eicosanoids related to endocannabinoids.

In many cases, a cannabinoid can be identified because its chemical name will include the text string “*cannabi*”. However, there are a number of cannabinoids that do not use this nomenclature.

Within the context of this disclosure, where reference is made to a particular cannabinoid, each of the acid and/or decarboxylated forms are contemplated as both single molecules and mixtures. In addition, salts of cannabinoids are also encompassed, such as salts of cannabinoid carboxylic acids.

As well, any and all isomeric, enantiomeric, or optically active derivatives are also encompassed. In particular, where appropriate, reference to a particular cannabinoid includes both the “A Form” and the “B Form”. For example, it is known that THCA has two isomers, THCA-A in which the carboxylic acid group is in the 1 position between the hydroxyl group and the carbon chain (A Form) and THCA-B in which the carboxylic acid group is in the 3 position following the carbon chain (B Form).

Examples of cannabinoids include, but are not limited to: cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), cannabigerolic acid monomethylether (CBGAM), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabigerol monomethylether (CBGM), cannabigerovarinic acid (CBGVA), cannabigerovarin (CBGV), cannabichromenic Acid (CBCA), cannabichromene (CBC), cannabichromevarinic Acid (CBCVA), cannabichromevarin (CBCV), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), cannabidiol (CBD), Δ6-cannabidiol (Δ6 CBD), cannabidiol monomethylether (CBDM), cannabidiol-C4 (CBD-C4), cannabidivarinic Acid (CBDVA), cannabidivarin (CBDV), cannabidiorcol (CBD-C1), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid A (THCA-A), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid B (THCA-B), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC or Δ9-THC), Δ8 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ8-THC), trans-410-tetrahydrocannabinol (trans-Δ10-THC), cis Δ10-tetrahydrocannabinol (cis-Δ10-THC), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid C4 (THCA-C4), tetrahydrocannbinol C4 (THC C4), tetrahydrocannabivarinic acid (THCVA), tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), Δ8-tetrahydrocannabivarin (Δ8-THCV), Δ9 tetrahydrocannabivarin (Δ9-THCV), tetrahydrocannabiorcoli c acid (THCA-C1), tetrahydrocannabiorcol (THC-C1), Δ7-cis-iso-tetrahydrocannabivarin, Δ8 tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (Δ8-THCA), Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (Δ9-THCA), cannabicyclolic acid (CBLA), cannabicyclol (CBL), cannabicyclovarin (CBLV), cannabielsoic acid A (CBEA-A), cannabielsoic acid B (CBEA-B), cnnabielsoin (CBE), cannabinolic acid (CBNA), cannabinol (CBN), cannabinol methylether (CBNM), cannabinol-C4 (CBN-C4), cannabivarin (CBV), cannabino-C2 (CBN-C2), cannabiorcol (CBN-C1), cannabinodiol (CBND), cannabinodivarin (CBDV), cannabitriol (CBT), 11 hydroxy-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (11-OH-THC), 11 nor 9-carboxy-δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, ethoxy-cannabitriolvarin (CBTVE), 10 ethoxy-9-hydroxy-δ6a-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabitriolvarin (CBTV), 8,9 dihydroxy-Δ6a(10a)-tetrahydrocannabinol (8,9-Di-OH-CBT-C5), dehydrocannabifuran (DCBF), cannbifuran (CBF), cannabichromanon (CBCN), cannabicitran (CBT), 10 oxo-Δ6a(10a)-tetrahydrocannabinol (OTHC), Δ9 cis tetrahydrocannabinol (cis THC), cannabiripsol (cbr), 3,4,5,6-tetrahydro-7-hydroxy-alpha-alpha-2-trimethyl-9-n-propyl-2,6-methano-2h-1-benzoxocin-5-methanol (OH-iso-HHCV), trihydroxy-delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (triOH-THC), yangonin, epigallocatechin gallate, dodeca-2e, 4e, 8z, 10z-tetraenoic acid isobutylamide, hexahydrocannibinol, and dodeca-2e,4e-dienoic acid isobutylamide.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the cannabinoid is a cannabinoid dimer. The cannabinoid may be a dimer of the same cannabinoid (e.g., THC-THC) or different cannabinoids. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cannabinoid may be a dimer of THC, including for example cannabisol.

As used herein, the term “cannabis concentrate” refers to a mixture of compounds that is obtained from a cannabis plant, such as for example a mixture of compounds or compositions that have been extracted from cannabis. The cannabis concentrate may be a concentrated composition of cannabis-derived cannabinoids, terpenes, terpenoids, and other naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant. Non-limiting embodiments of a cannabis concentrate include a cannabis distillate, a cannabis isolate, a cannabis resin, a cannabis derived cannabinoid, or any other type of extract containing one or more cannabinoids or terpenes, terpenoids, and other naturally occurring compounds found in the cannabis plant.

As used herein, the term “viscosity control agent” describes a substance for controlling and maintaining the viscosity of the payload. Non-limiting embodiments of a viscosity control agent include propylene glycol (1,2-propanediol), 1,3-propanediol, polyethylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, a terpene, triacetin, diacetin and triethyl citrate.

As used herein, the term “stabilizer” is any substance used to prevent an unwanted change in state. The stabilizer may be used to improve or maintain the stability of the payload. For example, without a stabilizer, cannabinoids or cannabis concentrates may be susceptible to degradation, such as oxidative degradation, cannabinoids may crystallize out of the payload, and/or the payload may undergo color change.

As used herein, the term “flavorant” is used to describe a compound or combination of compounds that may provide flavor and/or aroma to the payload. The flavorant may include at least one of a natural flavorant or an artificial flavorant. Non-limiting embodiments of a flavorant may be a tobacco flavor, menthol, wintergreen, peppermint, herb flavors, fruit flavors, nut flavors, liquor flavors and terpene flavors.

I. Vape Device

The present invention is directed to a vape device that measures and preferably controls or meters the dose of vaporized payload inhaled by the user. The dose metering technology may be incorporated into a variety of different types of vape devices available in various sizes in terms of the amount of payload they can contain. In one embodiment, the vape device comprises a self-contained vape device, e.g., a one piece disposable vape device in which all of the components are contained within a single housing. In another embodiment, the vape device comprises a control assembly and cartridge that are formed in separate housings and releasably connected to each other via an electromechanical connection. In this embodiment, the control assembly is provided as a re-useable component that can be used with multiple disposable cartridges. In yet another embodiment, the vape device comprises a tabletop or desktop vaporizer.

Various embodiments of vape devices that may incorporate the dose metering technology of the present invention are described below in connection with FIGS. 1-3. In some embodiments, the vape devices can communicate with a personal computing device and work interactively with an application or “app” operating on the personal computing device to provide additional functions and features that enable implementation of certain aspects of the invention. Of course, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and that other types of vape devices may also be used within the scope of the invention.

For the sake of simplicity, the vape devices described in connection with FIGS. 1-3 are provided to describe the general structural configuration of the vape devices and do not include all of the various components and circuits required to provide the dose metering technology of the present invention; rather, these components and circuits are described below in connection with the vape devices shown in FIGS. 4-10.

First Embodiment of Vape Device

Referring to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a vape device is shown generally as reference numeral 10. Vape device 10 includes a mouthpiece assembly 12, an atomizer assembly 19, a payload assembly 24, and a control assembly 14. Any of mouthpiece assembly 12, atomizer assembly 19, payload assembly 24, and control assembly 14 may be formed integrally together and included within a common housing suitable for grasping by a user. Further, any of mouthpiece assembly 12, atomizer assembly 19, payload assembly 24, and control assembly 14 may be formed in separate housings that are releasably connected to each other via connecting means 15, which can comprise, for example, one or more of pressure or friction fit connection means, twist mechanical lock means, magnetic connection means and any other connecting means as well known to those skilled in the art. The connecting means 15 may include a female 510 threaded connector on the control assembly 14 that releasably engages a male 510 threaded connector on the atomizer assembly 19 or payload assembly 24. A 510 threaded connector, as is known in the art, is a M7-0.5×5 threaded connector, i.e., a threaded connector with a nominal diameter of 7 mm, a pitch of 0.5 mm, and a length of 5 mm. Connecting means 15 may include threaded connectors of other sizes. By way of example, mouthpiece assembly 12 may be releasably connected to atomizer assembly 19, payload assembly 24 and control assembly 14, which are either formed integrally together or in separate housings that are releasably connected to each other. Mouthpiece assembly 12 and atomizer assembly 19 may be formed integrally together and releasably connected to payload assembly 24 and control assembly 14, which are either formed integrally together or in separate housings that are releasably connected to each other. Further, mouthpiece assembly 12, atomizer assembly 19, and payload assembly 24 may be formed integrally together and releasably connected to control assembly 14. The combination of the mouthpiece assembly 12, atomizer assembly 19, and payload assembly 24 may be referred to as a cartridge herein. It is also within the scope of the invention for the mouthpiece assembly 12 to be omitted and for the vaporized payload to exit the atomizer assembly 19 directly for inhalation.

In some embodiments, a heater or atomizer 20 is disposed in atomizer assembly 19, with atomizer 20 further comprising a heating element 22 disposed therein for heating and vaporizing a payload that may comprise, for example, liquids, oils or other fluids (e.g., cannabis oil or nicotine oil). Vape device 10 may also be modified to vaporize a tablet of dry material or dry material that is not in tablet form (e.g., ground cannabis bud). Heating element 22 may be a heating coil. Atomizer 20 can comprise an inlet 21 and an outlet 23, wherein inlet 21 can be in communication, via fluid connector 46, with payload reservoir 26 disposed in payload assembly 24, wherein payload reservoir 26 can contain a payload for vaporization or atomization. Outlet 23 can be in communication with a user mouthpiece 16 of mouthpiece assembly 12 via a conduit 17, which is typically a hollow tube made of stainless steel, aluminum, or other materials known to those skilled in the art. It will be understood to those skilled in the art that an air path will extend through atomizer assembly 19 and mouthpiece assembly 12 allowing ambient air to flow from an air inlet (not shown) of atomizer 20 and through conduit 17 to user mouthpiece 16.

In some embodiments, payload assembly 24 contains a memory device 28. Memory device 28 may be any type of device that includes memory or storage capable of storing a unique payload identifier that identifies payload reservoir 26 and/or other information related to the payload contained in payload reservoir 26, as discussed below. Memory device 28 also includes means for allowing the stored information to be retrieved by another device. For example, memory device 28 may be wired (e.g., EEPROM or flash memory), wireless (e.g., a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or near field communications (NFC) tag), or a combination of wired and wireless (e.g., wired through one interface and wireless through another interface). Microcontroller 31 may process the information retrieved from memory device 28 and/or transmit the information to an external computing device via a radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuit 36 and antenna(s) 40. In one embodiment, memory device 28 comprises an integrated circuit (IC) chip for modulating and demodulating radio frequency signals, such as a galvanically isolated NFC tag that can be read by any NFC-capable device. In one embodiment, the NFC tag is read directly by an external computing device, such as personal computing device 72 described below. Of course, other short-range wireless technologies may also be used in accordance with the present invention.

In some embodiments, atomizer 20 can be disposed in atomizer assembly 19 that can either be integral to mouthpiece assembly 12, or a physically separate enclosure that can couple to mouthpiece assembly 12. Instead of or in addition to including a heating element 22 as disclosed herein, atomizer 20 may include any other structure capable of vaporizing or atomizing a payload in a suitable form for inhalation. For example, atomizer 20 may include a jet nebulizer, an ultrasonic nebulizer, or a mesh nebulizer.

In some embodiments, payload reservoir 26 and memory device 28 can be disposed in payload assembly 24 that can either be integral to mouthpiece assembly 12 and/or atomizer assembly 19, or a physically separate enclosure that can couple to mouthpiece assembly 12 and/or atomizer assembly 19, which can include one or more of connecting means 15 described above. Preferably, memory device 28 is physically coupled to payload reservoir 26 either directly or indirectly (e.g., memory device 28 and payload reservoir 26 are included in a common housing of payload assembly 24) in a tamper resistant manner.

In some embodiments, control assembly 14 can comprise one or more antennas 40, a power source such as battery 42, and a printed circuit board 30 that can further comprise a microcontroller 31 configured for carrying out one or more electronic functions in respect of the operation of vape device 10. Having more than one antenna 40 can enable the ability for diversity wireless communications of RF signals, as well known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, battery 42 can comprise a lithium ion power cell battery, although other battery technologies can be used as well known to those skilled in the art. As the vape devices are personal use devices, the battery 42 can comprise technology that prevents the advent of an explosion should the battery fail.

In some embodiments, circuit board 30 can comprise a charger circuit 32 configured for charging battery 42. Charger circuit 32 can be integral to circuit board 30 or can be disposed on a separate circuit board operatively connected to circuit board 30 and to battery 42 via electrical connection 54. Charger circuit 32 can be configured to be operatively connected to an external source of power, either via a shared or dedicated electrical connector 35 operatively coupled to circuit board 30 with internal connection to charger circuit 32, or a wireless connection for power transfer, as well known to those skilled in the art. Charger circuit 32 may also connect to electrical connection 50 as a means of charging.

In some embodiments, circuit board 30 can comprise user input interface circuit 34 and output interface circuit 38. Either or both of input interface circuit 34 and output interface circuit 38 can be integral to circuit board 30 or can be disposed on a separate circuit board operatively connected to circuit board 30. In some embodiments, input interface circuit 34 can provide the electrical interface between user controls and activation mechanisms disposed on vape device 10, such as buttons, switches, draw sensors, pressure transducers, proximity sensors, flow sensors, touch sensors, voice recognition sensors, haptic controls, saliva and breath biosensors, and the like, and microcontroller 31 and, thus, can provide the means to relay user input commands from the user controls as instructions to microcontroller 31 to operate vape device 10.

For example, input interface circuit 34 may be electrically coupled to a draw sensor 18 for receiving an “on” signal from draw sensor 18 when a user draws on mouthpiece 16. When input interface circuit 34 receives the “on” signal from draw sensor 18, it may send instructions to microcontroller 31 to cause supply of a controlled current or voltage to heating element 22 and thereby provide vapor through outlet 23, provided that any other conditions necessary to activate atomizer 20 have been met. In some embodiments, draw sensor 18 comprises a sensor, such as a mass air flow sensor, that can produce an electrical signal in response to when a user inhales or draws on mouthpiece 16, wherein the electrical signal can cause the power signal to flow from battery 42 through heating element 22. In some embodiments, draw sensor 18 can be used as a simple “switch” as a means to turn on atomizer 20 to vaporize payload drawn into atomizer 20 from payload reservoir 26 as the user draws on mouthpiece 16. Draw sensor 18 is one type of activation mechanism that may be used to activate atomizer 20. Draw sensor 18 may be replaced with or used in connection with another type of activation mechanism that receives an input to switch it from an “off” position, in which atomizer 20 is not activated, and an “on” position, in which atomizer 20 is activated. For example, draw sensor 18 may be replaced with or used in connection with any of the following types of activation mechanisms: a button, switch, pressure transducer, proximity sensor, flow sensor, touch sensor, voice recognition sensor, haptic control, saliva and breath biosensor, and the like.

In some embodiments, output interface circuit 38 can provide the electrical interface between microcontroller 31 and output display devices, such as indicator lights, alphanumeric display screens, audio speakers, surface heaters, vibration devices, and any other forms of tactile feedback devices as well known to those skilled in the art, and, thus, can provide the means to relay information relating to the operation of vape device 10 from microcontroller 31 to the user.

In some embodiments, circuit board 30 can comprise an RF transceiver circuit 36 to provide the means for wireless communication of data between vape device 10 and a personal computing device, such as personal computing device 72 as shown in FIG. 3. In some embodiments, RF transceiver circuit 36 can be integral to circuit board 30 or can be disposed on a separate circuit board operatively connected to circuit board 30. RF transceiver circuit 36 can be connected to one or more antennas 40 via electrical connection 52, as well known to those skilled in the art. RF transceiver circuit 36 and the one or more antennas 40 comprise a wireless transceiver of vape device 10.

In some embodiments, microcontroller 31 can comprise a microprocessor (which for purposes of this disclosure also incorporates any type of processor) having a central processing unit as well known to those skilled in the art, wherein the microprocessor can further comprise a memory configured for storing a series of instructions for operating the microprocessor in addition to storing data collected from sensors disposed on vape device 10 or data received by vape device 10 to control its operation, such as operational settings. Microcontroller 31 is in electrical communication with charger circuit 32, user input interface circuit 34, output interface circuit 38, and RF transceiver circuit 36 for receiving instructions and/or data from and/or transmitting instructions and/or data to charger circuit 32, user input interface circuit 34, output interface circuit 38, and RF transceiver circuit 36.

In some embodiments, atomizer 20 can be operatively and electrically connected to circuit board 30 via electrical connection 48, which can provide the means to activate atomizer 20 (e.g., deliver electrical current from battery 42 to heating element 22) when an activation mechanism such as draw sensor 18 sends an “on” signal to microcontroller 31, as well as receiving data signals from draw sensor 18 and/or atomizer 20. In this manner, the activation mechanism (i.e., draw sensor 18) is coupled to the atomizer 20 indirectly through microcontroller 31, and a direct connection between the activation mechanism and atomizer 20 is not required (i.e., the activation mechanism sends a signal to microcontroller 31 which sends a signal to activate atomizer 20). In addition to controlling operation of atomizer 20 based on a signal received from the activation mechanism, microcontroller 31 also controls operation of atomizer 20 based on the operational settings described below. In some embodiments, microcontroller 31 can be operatively connected to memory device 28 via electrical connection 50.

As used herein, the term “electrical connection” shall include any form of electrical connection via a wired or wireless connection, such as electrical conductors or wires suitable for the transmission of a power signal (e.g., a direct current or pulsed direct current), analog or digital electrical signals or radio frequency signals, as the case may be and as well-known to those skilled in the art.

The operational settings referred to herein include any type of setting or instruction that instructs the vape device 10 or certain components of the vape device 10 to operate or not operate in a particular manner. Specifically, operational settings of the vape device 10 include one or more of a duty cycle setting, a temperature setting, an operational time duration, a dosage setting, and a security setting. The duty cycle setting preferably corresponds to a pulse width modulation instruction transmitted from microcontroller 31 to battery 42 to send electrical current to heating element 22 in a particular desired manner. The temperature setting preferably corresponds to a temperature instruction transmitted from microcontroller 31 to battery 42 to send electrical current to heating element 22 to maintain heating element 22 at a desired temperature or range of temperatures. A temperature sensor may be coupled to microcontroller 31 to measure the actual temperature of heating element 22 and transmit that information to microcontroller 31 for determination of the amount and duration of electrical current that needs to be sent to heating element 22 to maintain a particular temperature or range of temperatures. The operational time duration preferably corresponds to a time instruction transmitted from microcontroller 31 to battery 42 to maintain heating element 22 at a temperature suitable for vaporization of the contents of payload reservoir 26 for a desired time. The dosage setting preferably corresponds to a dosage instruction transmitted from microcontroller 31 to battery 42 that powers down heating element 22 when a desired volume of vapor passes through atomizer 20. As described in greater detail below, various dose metering methods may be used to accurately measure the volume of vaporized payload passing through atomizer 20 to mouthpiece 16 for user inhalation, whereby microcontroller 31 compares the actual volume passed through atomizer 20 to the dosage setting to determine when to shut off heating element 22.

In some embodiments, memory device 28 and/or microcontroller 31, along with appropriate sensors, can also be used as part of a system for gathering data relating to the use of vape device 10 by the user by monitoring that can include, without limitation, historical vape device usage information, such as how many times vape device 10 is used during a given period of time (hour, day, week, etc.), the duration of each use of vape device 10, how many draws the user takes on vape device 10, the strength of those draws, the amount of payload consumed during each use of vape device 10, and other information as described herein. The historical vape device usage information may be stored in a database in association with the payload identifier. In some embodiments, the historical vape device usage information can be used as clinical data for determining whether the user is consuming the right amount of medicine to be vaporized and inhaled and at the right times of day. The information can be used to provide feedback to the user in terms of whether the user should consume medicine more frequently or less frequently throughout the day and/or to increase or decrease the amount of medicine consumed per usage overall or per usage at particular times of the day. In some embodiments, the information collected about the user's consumption of a cannabis liquid or oil payload with vape device 10 can be used to estimate the user's intoxication or impairment based on the user's physical characteristics and the amount of cannabis liquid or oil payload consumed. This estimation can be relayed to the user as a means to inform the user as to whether the user is too intoxicated or impaired to operate a motor vehicle or to operate tools or machinery, as an example.

Second Embodiment of Vape Device

Referring to FIG. 2, a second embodiment of a vape device is shown generally as reference numeral 100. In some embodiments, vape device 100 can comprise control assembly 14, atomizer assembly 79 and mouthpiece assembly 88 operatively coupled together in that order using mechanical connection means 56 to join the subassemblies together. Mechanical connection means 56 can comprise one or more of threaded connection means, magnetic connection means and friction or press-fit connection means, and any of the connection means 15 described above, including 510 threaded connectors. In some embodiments, mouthpiece assembly 88 can comprise a mouthpiece 58 in communication with the outlet of atomizer 20 via conduit 60, which is typically a hollow tube made of stainless steel, aluminum, or other materials known to those skilled in the art. Mouthpiece assembly 88 can further comprise a payload reservoir 62 that can be filled with a payload 64 that may be liquid or oil. The payload 64 can flow from payload reservoir 62 to inlet 21 of atomizer 20 via one or more valves 68. In some embodiments, mouthpiece assembly 88 can comprise memory device 28 and an oil gauge 66, which can be configured to monitor the volume of payload 64 in payload reservoir 62 and relay that information to microcontroller 31. In this embodiment, mouthpiece assembly 88 can be a consumable element that can be replaced as a complete subassembly once depleted, or simply interchanged with another mouthpiece assembly 88 containing a different payload 64 for consumption, depending on the needs and wants of the user. In some embodiments, oil gauge 66 can simply be a sight glass disposed on mouthpiece assembly 88 to provide a visual indicator to the user as to the amount of payload remaining therein. Atomizer assembly 79 is preferably configured to prevent air-lock and/or clogging with thick, undiluted payloads. It will be understood to those skilled in the art that an air path will extend through atomizer assembly 79 allowing ambient air to flow from an air inlet (not shown) of atomizer 20 and through conduit 60 to mouthpiece 58.

Control assembly 14 of vape device 100 is preferably substantially similar to control assembly 14 of vape device 10. Atomizer 20 of vape device 100 is preferably substantially similar to atomizer 20 of vape device 10, and may include alternative means for vaporizing a payload other than a heating element as described above in connection with vape device 10. It is within the scope of the invention for atomizer assembly 79 and mouthpiece assembly 88 to be formed integrally within a common housing that is releasably connected to control assembly 14. Further, it is within the scope of the invention for control assembly 14 and atomizer assembly 79 to be formed integrally within a common housing that is releasably connected to mouthpiece assembly 88. It is also within the scope of the invention for atomizer assembly 79, mouthpiece assembly 88, and control assembly 14 to be formed integrally within a common housing.

Vape Device Application

Referring to FIG. 3, one embodiment of a vape device system 102 includes vape device 10 and a personal computing device 72 running application 74 thereon. It is understood that personal computing device 72 includes a processor 94 that runs application 74, and that references herein to personal computing device 72 include its processor 94. Vape device 100 may also be operated with personal computing device 72 in the same manner as described below with respect to vape device 10.

As used herein, the term “personal computing device” is defined as including personal computers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants, personal computing tablets (such as those made by Apple® and Samsung®, and by others as well known to those skilled in the art), smart phones (such as those running on iOS® and Android® operating systems, and others as well known to those skilled in the art), smart watches, fitness tracking wristbands, wearable devices, smart glasses, and any other electronic computing device that comprises means for communication (wireless or wired) with other electronic devices, and with a global telecommunications or computing network.

In some embodiments, vape device 10 can wirelessly communicate with personal computing device 72 and application 74 via RF communications link 73. In some embodiments, RF communications link 73 can comprise one or more of Bluetooth™ communications protocol, Wi-Fi™ IEEE 802 communications protocol, Zigbee IEEE 802.15.4-based protocol, and any other RF, short-range, and long-range communications protocol as well known to those skilled in the art. Vape device 10 may also communicate with personal computing device 72 via a wired connection established, for example, between electrical connector 35 of vape device 10 and a communications connector (not shown) of personal computing device 72.

Vape device 10 can preferably communicate with personal computing device 72 and operate in conjunction with application 74 to control and monitor the use of vape device 10. In some embodiments, application 74 can be configured to acquire specific information on the payload being vaporized (described below) based on the serial number of the cartridge. In some embodiments, application 74 can access an online source of data to acquire this information, which can be done periodically and/or automatically, or manually by the user prompting the application to update the information, or a combination of both processes. This information can then be used to control or meter the dose of vapor inhaled by the user, as described below.

In some embodiments, computing device 72 transmits the unique payload identifier to a remote computing device at a central server or in the cloud. The remote computing device may maintain a database of operational settings that are associated with each unique payload identifier and tailored to the particular substance located in the payload reservoir and/or the particular user using the payload reservoir. The remote computing device may then send the operational settings and identification of the specific substance within the payload reservoir back to the computing device 72. The historical vape device usage information described above may also be transmitted to and maintained by the remote computing device at the central server or in the cloud.

In some embodiments, application 74 can present a visual “dashboard” 75 comprising visual information and controls that can be operated by a user. In some embodiments, dashboard 75 can comprise user information window 76 for displaying information regarding the operation of vape device 10 in addition to general information. This general information can include general news as well as information on available updates for vape device 10 or the application 74 from the manufacturer or supplier of the same.

In some embodiments, dashboard 75 can comprise a locate button 78 as a means for the user to determine the location of vape device 10 should the user misplace it. By pressing locate button 78, personal computing device 72 can send a signal wirelessly to vape device 10 to operate an audible signal from an audio speaker or buzzer or other like device disposed thereon to assist the user in finding vape device 10. In other embodiments, pressing locate button 78 can assist the user to determine his or her geographic location (using geographic location capabilities of personal computing device 72) and whether cannabis products can be consumed using vape device 10 in that location (e.g., whether there are any governmental regulations, laws, or rules applicable to or enforceable in the geographic area where vape device 10 is located that may subject the user of vape device 10 to criminal or administrative penalties, fines, or enforcement actions). In some embodiments, dashboard 75 can comprise heat swipe button 80 as a means for the user to manually control the heat used to vaporize payload 64, wherein the signal transmitted by application 74 to vape device 10 to control the heat can be included in the operational settings. In some embodiments, dashboard 75 can comprise lock indicator 82, unlock indicator 84 and swipe button 86 as a means to enable and disable vape device 10 by the user swiping swipe button 86 right or left, respectively.

II. Dose Metering Methods

The vape device as described above may use four different methods, independently or in any combination, to measure the portion of the payload that is vaporized during each user inhalation and thereby determine the dose of vaporized payload delivered to the user. The first method tracks the energy used to vaporize the payload portion during user inhalation in order to determine the mass of the vaporized payload; the second method measures the temperature at multiple locations within the air flow chamber during user inhalation to determine the vapor density and by extension the mass of the vaporized payload; the third method measures the intensity of light that is transmitted through the vaporized payload, reflected off the vaporized payload, or transmitted through a light transmitting medium positioned within the vaporized payload, during user inhalation to determine the vapor density and by extension the mass of the vaporized payload; and the fourth method utilizes hot wire anemometers to determine the mass of the vaporized payload that was delivered to the user during each user inhalation and/or to determine the size and density distribution of the droplets in the vaporized payload and use such distribution to calculate the total mass of the vaporized payload that was delivered to the user during each user inhalation. Each of these methods will be described below in connection with the exemplary vape devices shown in FIGS. 4-15.

It should be understood that the exemplary vape devices shown in FIGS. 4-15 are illustrated schematically in order to describe the sensors and other components that may be used to implement the various methods. These schematic diagrams and are not intended to illustrate any particular structural configurations for the vape devices, which will vary depending on the type of vape device that implements the disclosed methods. For example, the atomizer of the vape device may be suspended in a conduit and in fluid communication with the payload from a payload reservoir, or, the atomizer of the vape device may be suspended in a portion of the conduit allowing ambient air from the inlet to flow through the atomizer. The conduit may have a cross-section that is circular, rectangular, or any other shape. The various structural configurations for the cartridge, payload reservoir, conduit, etc. will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

In some embodiments, the vape device is also configured to determine the aggregated amount of payload that has been vaporized during previous user inhalations. This amount may be subtracted from the total amount of payload prior to any vaporization to determine the remaining amount of payload in the payload reservoir. Also, because there will be some residual payload in the payload reservoir, the vape device may also be configured to determine the portion of the remaining amount of payload in the payload reservoir that is useable for vaporization—e.g., based on characterization data or testing of samples to determine a mean and range of useable payload with a specified measure of accuracy. Further, the vape device may be configured to provide a notice to the user (e.g., via personal computing device 72) when the remaining amount of payload in the payload reservoir is below a minimum level so that the user may take appropriate steps to refill the payload reservoir or obtain a replacement cartridge.

Energy Usage Method

In some embodiments, the vape device is configured to track the energy used to vaporize a portion of the payload during user inhalation in order to determine the mass of vaporized payload that was delivered to the user during each user inhalation.

Referring to FIG. 4, an example of a vape device that relies on the energy usage method to determine the dose of vaporized payload is shown generally as reference numeral 400. Vape device 400 includes a control assembly 410 and a cartridge 420 that may be formed in separate housings that are releasably connected to each other via an electromechanical connection 440. In this embodiment, control assembly 410 is provided as a re-useable component that can be used with multiple disposable cartridges, such as cartridge 420. In other embodiments, control assembly 410 may be disposable, or, the components of control assembly 410 and cartridge 420 may be provided as a self-contained vape device.

Electromechanical connection 440 is configured to provide a mechanical and electrical connection between control assembly 410 and cartridge 420. For example, electromechanical connection 440 may comprise a female 510 threaded connector on control assembly 410 that releasably engages a male 510 threaded connector on cartridge 420. Of course, the invention is not limited to the use of 510 threaded connectors and other types of connectors may also be used, as described above.

As shown in FIG. 4, control assembly 410 includes a power source 412, a microcontroller 414, an RF transceiver circuit 416, and one or more antennas 418. Also, cartridge 420 includes a payload reservoir 422, an atomizer 424, one or more temperature measurement circuits 426 (optional), one or more pressure measurement circuits 428 (optional), and a memory device 430 (optional). Of course, it should be understood that all or a portion of temperature measurement circuits 426 and/or pressure measurement circuits 428 may alternatively be located within control assembly 410. Most of these components (with the exception of the temperature and pressure measurement circuits) are described above in connection with vape devices 10 and 100. Of course, it should be understood that control assembly 410 and cartridge 420 may include a number of other components that are not specifically shown in FIG. 4, as also described above in connection with vape devices 10 and 100.

With respect to vape device 400, microcontroller 414 is programmed to control power source 412 (e.g., a battery) so that power source 412 transmits a power signal (e.g., a direct current or pulsed direct current) to atomizer 424 in accordance with desired operational settings. When the heating element of atomizer 424 reaches the vaporization temperature of the payload contained in payload reservoir 422, a portion of the payload is vaporized to thereby generate a vaporized payload for user inhalation. As described below, if the amount of energy required to vaporize the total mass of the payload in payload reservoir 422 is known (i.e., the total mass of the payload prior to any vaporization), microcontroller 414 is able to interpolate from the amount of energy used in each user inhalation the partial mass of payload that has been vaporized during the user inhalation.

For example, consider a payload having a total mass of 0.5 grams (assuming a density of 1 gram/milliliter) that is known to require 1.240 watt-hours of energy to be fully vaporized. If a particular user inhalation were to use 6.179 milliwatt-hours of energy (e.g., 2 amperes of current at 3.7 volts for 3 seconds), this energy usage would comprise approximately 1/200^(th) of the energy required for the total payload. Thus, it is possible to estimate that the partial amount of payload that was vaporized during the user inhalation was 0.0025 grams (i.e., 0.5 grams/200).

In some embodiments, microcontroller 414 is programmed to determine the dose of payload that is vaporized during each user inhalation by performing the following steps: (1) determining the amount of energy used to vaporize a portion of the payload during each user inhalation; and (2) using the amount of energy to determine the partial mass of the payload that is vaporized during the user inhalation. Each of these steps will be described in greater detail below.

It should be understood that the amount of energy used to vaporize a portion of the payload may be associated with the partial mass of the payload using characterization data for the particular payload (e.g., data that has been obtained through testing to correlate the amount of energy to the partial mass). In some embodiments, microcontroller 414 acquires this information from memory device 430, i.e., the characterization data is stored in memory device 430 by the manufacturer of cartridge 420. In other embodiments, microcontroller 414 acquires a unique payload identifier from memory device 430 and transmits the unique payload identifier to personal computing device 72 via RF transceiver 416 and antenna(s) 418. The unique serial number may comprise, for example, a serial number of cartridge 420. The application 74 running on personal computing device 72 may then acquire the characterization data based on the unique payload identifier. In some embodiments, application 74 can access an online source of data to acquire this information. Of course, the payload identifier stored in memory device 430 need not comprise a unique identifier, in which case cartridges containing the same type and amount of payload could all store the same payload identifier in their respective memory devices. In all of these cases, computing device 72 transmits the acquired information back to microcontroller 414 via RF transceiver 416 and antenna(s) 418. In yet other embodiments in which the vape device comprises a self-contained vape device, the characterization data may be stored on microcontroller 414 itself.

Microcontroller 414 determines the amount of energy used to vaporize a portion of the payload during each user inhalation by determining the amount of power provided to atomizer 424 during the user inhalation, determining the duration of the user inhalation, and then calculating the total amount of energy based on this information (i.e., E=P×t). In some embodiments, microcontroller 414 is programmed to determine the amount of power provided to atomizer 424 by measuring the output voltage of power source 414, measuring the current delivered to atomizer 424, and then calculating the power based on this information (i.e., P=V×I). In other embodiments, microcontroller 414 is programmed to determine the amount of power provided to atomizer 424 by measuring the resistance of the path between power source 412 and atomizer 424, measuring either the output voltage of power source 414 or the current delivered to atomizer 424, and then calculating the power based on this information (i.e., P=I²×R=V²/R).

In some embodiments, the step of determining the amount of energy used to vaporize a portion of the payload during each user inhalation may be further refined (optionally) by determining the air flow rate within the air flow chamber, and then adjusting the total amount of energy calculated above to account for the air flow rate and its effect on removing heat from atomizer 424. The air flow chamber extends between an inlet and an outlet, and atomizer 424 is positioned between the inlet and outlet such that (1) ambient air flows through the air flow chamber from the inlet to atomizer 424 and (2) air mixed with vaporized payload flows through the air flow chamber from atomizer 424 to the outlet (which may be in communication with a mouthpiece). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that increasing the air flow rate will pull more vapor (and by extension heat) away from atomizer 424 thereby causing the control loop to add more energy into the heating element to maintain a constant temperature. Including the effect of the air flow rate using a direct air flow measurement will increase the accuracy of the dose measurement.

In some embodiments, microcontroller 414 is programmed to determine the air flow rate within the air flow chamber based on a pressure difference across an orifice positioned anywhere in the sealed path between the inlet and outlet of the air flow chamber and the known cross-sectional area of the orifice. As described below, there are different ways to determine the pressure differential across the orifice using one or more pressure sensors incorporated within pressure measurement circuit(s) 428.

In one embodiment, a first pressure sensor is located on one side of the orifice and a second pressure sensor is located on the opposing side of the orifice. The first pressure sensor is incorporated into a first pressure measurement circuit configured to obtain a plurality of pressure measurements during user inhalation. Similarly, the second pressure sensor is incorporated into a second pressure measurement circuit configured to obtain a plurality of pressure measurements during user inhalation. Thus, the pressure difference across the orifice during user inhalation is based on the pressure measurements obtained by the first and second pressure measurement circuits during user inhalation.

In another embodiment, a single pressure sensor is located on one side of the orifice. The pressure sensor is incorporated into a pressure measurement circuit configured to obtain a plurality of pressure measurements before and during user inhalation, e.g., one or more ambient pressure measurements before the draw in which the pressure is equal on either side of the orifice followed by other pressure measurements during the draw in which there is a partial vacuum on the side of the orifice where the pressure sensor is located. Thus, the pressure difference across the orifice during user inhalation is based on the pressure measurements obtained by the pressure measurement circuit before and during user inhalation.

In another embodiment, a single pressure sensor is located on one side of the orifice. The pressure sensor is incorporated into a pressure measurement circuit configured to obtain a plurality of pressure measurements during and after user inhalation, e.g., pressure measurements during the draw in which there is a partial vacuum on the side of the orifice where the pressure sensor is located followed by one or more ambient pressure measurements after the draw in which the pressure is equal on either side of the orifice. Thus, the pressure difference across the orifice during user inhalation is based on the pressure measurements obtained by the pressure measurement circuit during and after user inhalation.

In yet another embodiment, a single pressure sensor is located on one side of the orifice. The pressure sensor is incorporated into a pressure measurement circuit configured to obtain a plurality of pressure measurements before, during and after user inhalation, e.g., a combination of the above two embodiments, such that the ambient pressure measurements before and after the draw are used and compared to the partial vacuum measurements during the draw. Thus, the pressure difference across the orifice during user inhalation is based on the pressure measurements obtained by the pressure measurement circuit before, during and after user inhalation.

In some embodiments, the step of determining the amount of energy used to vaporize a portion of the payload during each user inhalation may be further refined (optionally) by determining the amount of energy used to heat atomizer 424 to the vaporization temperature, and then adjusting the total amount of energy calculated above by subtracting or omitting that portion of the total energy. In order to determine when atomizer 424 has reached the vaporization temperature, a temperature sensor incorporated into temperature measurement circuit 426 may be used to sense the temperature within cartridge 420. Various examples of temperature sensors that may be used in temperature measurement circuit 426 are described below.

In general, the temperature sensor may comprise any type of component capable of sensing the temperature within cartridge 420. For example, temperature sensor 426 may comprise a thermistor, a thermocouple, a bandgap temperature sensor, an analog temperature sensor, a digital temperature sensor (e.g., temperature sensors with I2C interface compatibility), or any other type of temperature sensor known to those skilled in the art. The thermal path between atomizer 424 and the temperature sensor may be implemented with thermal paste, a ceramic thermal bridge (e.g., the Q-Bridge thermal conductor available from American Technical Ceramics), or air and PCB dielectric.

The temperature sensor may also comprise a light sensor configured to detect light emitted from a material within cartridge 420, wherein the intensity of the emitted light is proportional to the temperature of the material, as is known to those skilled in the art. The light sensor may comprise, for example, a photodiode or phototransistor that detects light emitted by the heating element and/or light emitted by the vaporized payload (which would typically be in the infrared region of 0.7 microns to 20 microns). The light sensor is preferably able to detect the light through different seals or glass so that the light sensor can be isolated from the vaporized payload.

The temperature sensor may also comprise a circuit configured to measure the resistance of the heating element and utilize this measurement to determine the temperature within cartridge 420. As is known in the art, the resistance of the heating element is directly proportional to the resistivity of the material from which the heating element is made (i.e., the resistance is dependent on the resistivity, length, and cross-sectional area of the heating element). The relationship between the resistivity of the heating element and temperature is shown by the following equation (which is a linear approximation for cases in which the temperature variance is not large):

ρ=ρ₀(1+α(T−T ₀))  (1)

where

ρ=resistivity of heating element at temperature T in ohm meters;

ρ₀=resistivity of heating element at temperature T₀ in ohm meters;

α=temperature coefficient of resistivity at T₀;

T=current temperature in ° K; and

T₀=fixed reference temperature (e.g., ambient temperature) in ° K.

It can be seen from equation (1) that the resistivity of the heating element increases with an increase in the current temperature of the heating element. Thus, if the resistance of the heating element is known at any given moment, it is possible to calculate the resistivity of the heating element and, using equation (1), calculate the current temperature of the heating element.

For example, the following method may be implemented to determine the current temperature of the heating element (and thus the temperature within cartridge 420): (a) measure the ambient temperature within cartridge 420 (the heating element will be approximately the same temperature provided it has not been activated recently); (b) periodically measure the resistance of the heating element while the heating element is being powered; and (c) calculate the current temperature of the heating element based on the measured resistance (or determine a change in the resistance of the heating element to provide the temperature increase above the ambient temperature value). Thus, the resistance of the heating element as a function of temperature can be used to provide an accurate assessment of the temperature within cartridge 420 at any given moment.

In addition, in some embodiments, the step of determining the amount of energy used to vaporize a portion of the payload during each user inhalation may be further refined (optionally) by adjusting the total amount of energy calculated above to account for one or more operating conditions, such as those listed in Table 1 below:

TABLE 1 Operating Condition Impact on Energy starting temperature of The starting temperature of the vape device's vape device materials (e.g., the housing, battery, payload reservoir, etc.) will impart a baseline temperature to the volume of air in the vape device. starting temperature of The payload temperature determines the payload starting point from which the payload must be heated. The colder the payload, the more energy must be supplied to the atomizer before the payload will begin to vaporize. temperature of ambient The ambient air drawn into the inlet during an air inhale will bring with it an amount of heat energy that will offset the air at the outlet. The colder the ambient air, the less it is expected that the air at the outlet will increase. The warmer the ambient air, the more it is expected that the air at the outlet will increase. relative humidity of The ambient relative humidity changes the ambient air specific heat capacity of the ambient air, making it require more or less energy to impart the same temperature change. pressure of ambient air Ambient pressure is used to determine the flow rate of the air through the orifice. The ambient pressure occurs on one side of the orifice and the inhale pressure occurs on the other side of the orifice. It is the difference between these two that can be used to determine the flow rate. output voltage of power As the battery voltage changes through normal source use, the maximum amount of power that can be put into the atomizer is reduced. temperature ramp rate of This operating condition can be used to atomizer determine the thermal mass in thermal communication with the heating element. This information can be used to determine how much payload is present and available for vaporization.

As discussed above, microcontroller 414 uses the amount of energy calculated above to determine the partial mass of the payload that is vaporized during user inhalation. In some embodiments, this step may be further refined (optionally) to determine the mass of each of the components within the payload that are vaporized during user inhalation (assuming that the payload and its constituent components and relative percentages are known). For example, assume that the payload includes known percentages of CBD and THC, wherein CBD vaporizes at 150° C. (i.e., the boiling point of CBD) and THC vaporizes at 178° C. (i.e., the boiling point of THC). Microcontroller 414 can predict the relative amounts of CBD and THC vaporized at temperatures of 140° C., 160° C., 180° C., etc., to provide specific information on the dose of CBD and THC delivered to the user during user inhalation. Further, microcontroller 414 may optionally determine an optimal vaporization temperature for the payload based on the relative percentage and boiling point for each of the components within the payload.

Finally, it should be understood that all or a portion of the processing steps performed by microcontroller 414, as described above, could alternatively be performed by one or more other microcontrollers, such as a secondary microcontroller (not shown) positioned in cartridge 420. For example, in some embodiments, a secondary microcontroller positioned in cartridge 420 is programmed to determine the amount of energy delivered to atomizer 424 during each user inhalation and then transmit this information to microcontroller 414 over the electrical interface between cartridge 420 and control assembly 410. In this case, microcontroller 414 would perform all of the other steps described above. In other embodiments, a secondary microcontroller positioned in cartridge 420 is programmed to perform all of the steps described above and then transmit the dose of the vaporized payload to microcontroller 414 over the electrical interface between cartridge 420 and control assembly 410. In yet other embodiments, personal computing device 72 is programmed to perform a portion of the steps described above, assuming that the appropriate information is passed from the vape device to personal computing device 72. Further, in some embodiments, a secondary microcontroller positioned in cartridge 420 is configured by microcontroller 414 positioned in control assembly 410 or, alternatively, the secondary microcontroller uses operational settings stored in memory device 430 to determine when to stop atomizer 424 so as to deliver a full dose (wherein the full dose may also be stored in memory device 430). Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the steps performed by microcontroller 414 and any secondary microcontroller will vary between different applications.

Temperature Measurement Method

In some embodiments, the vape device is configured to measure the temperature at multiple locations within the air flow chamber during user inhalation (and optionally before and after user inhalation) to determine the vapor density and by extension the mass of vaporized payload that was delivered to the user during each user inhalation.

Referring to FIG. 5, an example of a vape device that relies on the temperature measurement method to determine the dose of vaporized payload is shown generally as reference numeral 500. Vape device 500 includes a housing 502, which may comprise an internal housing or external housing of vape device 500. Positioned within housing 502 is an air flow chamber which, in this example, comprises a conduit 512 that extends between an inlet 504 and an outlet 506. It can be appreciated that the inlet and outlet orifices are defined by conduit 512. An atomizer 510 is positioned anywhere between inlet 504 and outlet 506. As described above, atomizer 510 is configured to heat and vaporize the payload contained in a payload reservoir (not shown) so as to output a vaporized payload. During a user inhalation, ambient air flows through conduit 512 from inlet 504 to atomizer 510, and ambient air mixed with vaporized payload flows through conduit 512 from atomizer 510 to outlet 506. Outlet 506 may further be in communication with a mouthpiece, as described above. Of course, it should be understood that vape device 500 may include a number of other components that are not specifically shown in FIG. 5, including a power source, a microcontroller, and other electronics, as described above in connection with vape devices 10 and 100.

With respect to vape device 500, the microcontroller is programmed to control the power source (e.g., a battery) so that the power source transmits a power signal (e.g., a direct current or pulsed direct current) to atomizer 510 in accordance with desired operational settings. When the heating element of atomizer 510 reaches the vaporization temperature of the payload contained in the payload reservoir, a portion of the payload is vaporized to thereby generate the vaporized payload for user inhalation. As described below, the vaporized payload transfers a significant amount of heat from atomizer 510 to the air that is flowing through conduit 512 to outlet 506—significantly more so than air alone. There are key locations in the air path within conduit 512—i.e., a location between inlet 504 and atomizer 510 and one or more locations between atomizer 510 and outlet 506—where temperature measurements can provide valuable information.

In this example, vape device 500 includes three temperature sensors. Specifically, a first temperature sensor 514 is located within conduit 512 between inlet 504 and atomizer 510, wherein first temperature sensor 514 is incorporated into a first temperature measurement circuit configured to obtain a plurality of temperature measurements during user inhalation (and optionally before and after user inhalation). Also, a second temperature sensor 516 is located within conduit 512 between atomizer 510 and outlet 506 (relatively close to atomizer 510), wherein second temperature sensor 516 is incorporated into a second temperature measurement circuit configured to obtain a plurality of temperature measurements during user inhalation (and optionally before and after user inhalation). In addition, a third temperature sensor 518 is located within conduit 512 between atomizer 510 and outlet 506 (close to outlet 506), wherein third temperature sensor 518 is incorporated into a third temperature measurement circuit configured to obtain a plurality of temperature measurements during user inhalation (and optionally before and after user inhalation).

Each of temperature sensors 514, 516 and 518 may comprise any type of component capable of sensing the temperature at the designated locations, such as a thermistor, a thermocouple, an infrared sensor, a bandgap temperature sensor, an analog temperature sensor, or a digital temperature sensor. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that other types of temperature sensors may be used in accordance with the present invention.

Using the measured temperatures and the relative temperature changes between temperature sensors 514, 516 and 518 in conjunction with the air flow rate within conduit 512 (which may be determined using one or more pressure measurement circuits, such as pressure measurement circuit(s) 428 described above in connection with FIG. 4), it is possible to determine the amount of vaporized payload required to transfer the heat energy throughout the air path. Specifically, the vaporized payload has a specific heat capacity and carries heat away from atomizer 510 and towards outlet 506. As more vapor is created, more heat energy will be transferred downstream. Given a fixed, non-zero air flow rate, the temperature within conduit 512 between atomizer 510 and outlet 506 will be higher than the temperature within conduit 512 between inlet 504 and atomizer 510. Likewise, for a fixed amount of vapor, there will be a lower temperature rise for higher air flow rates because there is more ambient air mixed with the vaporized payload thereby reducing the amount of heat being transferred within conduit 512 from atomizer 510 to outlet 506. Thus, through characterization over various operating conditions, an accurate estimate of the vapor density of the vaporized payload can be determined. Using the vapor density and the air flow rate over time, it is possible to determine the mass of payload that was vaporized for user inhalation and by extension the dose that the user received.

Thus, in some embodiments, the microcontroller of vape device 500 is programmed to determine the dose of payload that is vaporized during each user inhalation by performing the following steps: (1) acquiring a plurality of temperature measurements obtained at various locations within the air flow chamber during user inhalation (and optionally before and after user inhalation); (2) determining the air flow rate within the air flow chamber during user inhalation; and (3) using the information from steps 1 and 2 to determine the vapor density of the vaporized payload and by extension the partial mass of the payload that is vaporized during user inhalation.

In some embodiments, the method may be further refined (optionally) by using a thermistor as part of one or more of the temperature measurement circuits. The thermistor may be biased to a more sensitive operating region by passing current (direct current or pulsed direct current) such that it self-heats the thermistor. By tracking the amount of current increase required to keep the thermistor at the same temperature, an estimate of the air flow rate, vapor density, etc., may be determined using characterization data.

In some embodiments, the method may be further refined (optionally) by accounting for the air moisture content and atmospheric pressure within the air flow chamber prior to vaporization, e.g., within conduit 512 between inlet 504 and atomizer 510. These operating conditions will alter the rate at which the temperature changes throughout the air flow path.

Finally, it should be understood that all or a portion of the processing steps performed by the microcontroller of vape device 500, as described above, could alternatively be performed by one or more other microcontrollers, such as a secondary microcontroller (not shown) positioned in a cartridge of vape device 500 (for embodiments in which vape device 500 comprises a cartridge releasably connected to a control assembly). Various embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Light Intensity Measurement Methods

Various examples of vape devices that utilize different light intensity measurement methods will be described below. In each of these examples, the vape device includes at least one light sensor comprised of a light source and a light detector. The light source may comprise, for example, a light emitting diode (LED), a laser, or an incandescent lamp, although other types of light sources may also be used. The light detector may comprise, for example, a photo-diode, although other types of light detectors may also be used.

The characteristics of the light emitted by the light source for detection by the light detector will vary between different applications. The wavelength of the emitted light may fall in the visible or invisible (ultraviolet or infrared) portions of the electromagnetic spectrum. The emitted light may be continuous, or the light may be pulsed, for example, to save power or to take successive light intensity measurements. The pulsing is preferably scaled to reflect the air flow rate.

As discussed below, the light source and light detector are incorporated into a light intensity measurement circuit configured to obtain a plurality of light intensity measurements during each user inhalation (and optionally before and after user inhalation) and provide such measurements to the microcontroller of the vape device. Preferably, the characterization data used by the microcontroller to determine the vapor density based on the light intensity measurements will account for the vapor density changing with temperature and air flow rate.

In some examples, the light sensor is a reflective sensor in which the light source is configured to emit light that is directed toward the path of the vaporized payload and the light detector is configured to detect the light reflection from the vaporized payload (such as the light sensor incorporated into the vape device shown in FIG. 6). When the vapor density of the vaporized payload increases, the light reflection from the vaporized payload increases. Conversely, when the vapor density of the vaporized payload decreases, the light reflection from the vaporized payload decreases. These properties can be utilized to determine the vapor density of the vaporized payload.

With a reflective sensor, the wavelength of the emitted light may be selected so that the light is maximally reflected by the vaporized payload. The intensity of the emitted light is preferably low enough so that the reflected light does not overwhelm the light detector. In some embodiments, the light intensity is ramped over a very short time period (but slow enough that the photo-diode is able to track it) in order to identify the point at which the photo-diode begins to saturate. The photo-diode will saturate earlier if the vaporized payload has a higher vapor density and is more reflective. In some embodiments, the light intensity is dynamically modified based on the measured vapor density of the vaporized payload.

In other examples, the light sensor is a transmissive sensor in which the light source is configured to emit light that is directed toward the path of the vaporized payload and the light detector is configured to detect light transmission through the vaporized payload (such as the light sensors incorporated into the vape devices shown in FIGS. 7-10). When the vapor density of the vaporized payload increases, the light transmission through the vaporized payload decreases. Conversely, when the vapor density of the vaporized payload decreases, the light transmission through the vaporized payload increases. These properties can be utilized to determine the vapor density of the vaporized payload.

With a transmissive sensor, the wavelength of the emitted light may be selected so that the light is maximally absorbed by the vaporized payload. The intensity of the emitted light is preferably high enough to result in some light reaching the light detector. In some embodiments, the light intensity is ramped over a very short time period (but slow enough that the photo-diode is able to track it) in order to identify the point at which the photo-diode begins to saturate. The photo-diode will saturate earlier if the vaporized payload has a lower vapor density. In some embodiments, the light intensity is dynamically modified based on the measured vapor density of the vaporized payload.

In yet other examples, the light source is configured to emit light that is directed toward a light transmitting medium positioned within the path of the vaporized payload and the light detector is configured to detect light transmitted through the medium (such as the light sensors incorporated into the vape devices shown in FIGS. 11-13). The light transmitting medium is made of glass, plastic or another material with an index of refraction that is sufficiently similar to that of the payload and sufficiently different from that of air.

When the surface of the light transmitting medium is surrounded entirely by air prior to any use of the vape device, most of the light emitted by the light source will travel through the medium to the light detector. Notably, when the light impacts the medium/air boundary at an angle, the light will totally reflect back into the medium (i.e., total internal reflection) due to the differences between the index of refraction of the medium and the index of refraction of air. Thus, the light detected by the light detector will have substantially the same intensity as the light emitted by the light source.

However, when vaporized payload, e.g., an oil droplet, is deposited on the surface of the light transmitting medium during use of the vape device, some of the light traveling through the medium will impact the medium/payload boundary at an angle and escape the medium into the deposited payload due to the similarities between the index of refraction of the medium and the index of refraction of the payload. Thus, the level of attenuation of the light received by the light detector will be dependent on the total amount of payload deposited on the surface of the medium.

It should be understood that the light transmission through the medium will decrease as the medium becomes increasingly fouled (coated) with droplets from the vaporized payload over the lifetime of the medium—i.e., there will be residual payload deposited on the surface of the medium after each user inhalation. Light intensity measurements are preferably obtained before, during, and after each user inhalation, and the rate of decrease of light transmission through the medium indicates the amount of vaporized payload that has passed the medium during that user inhalation. These properties can be utilized to determine the vapor density of the vaporized payload. Because the light transmitting medium has a limited lifetime, it is preferably placed in a replaceable cartridge portion of the vape device.

With this type of light sensor, the intensity of the emitted light is preferably increased over the lifetime of the light transmitting medium. When the medium is clean, very little of the emitted light will escape the medium due to total internal reflection at the medium/air boundary. As such, the emitted light can have a low intensity and still be detectable at the light detector. However, as droplets from the vaporized payload successively collect on the outside surface of the light transmitting medium throughout the lifetime of the medium, more light will escape the medium at the medium/payload boundary. As such, the emitted light must have a higher intensity to be detectable at the light detector.

The material of the light transmitting medium may be selected to obtain a desired index of refraction and associated effect. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the critical angle is the smallest angle of incidence that yields total internal reflection through a light transmitting medium, as shown by the following equation:

θ_(c)=arc sin(n ₂ /n ₁)  (2)

where

θ_(c)=critical angle in degrees;

n₁=index of refraction of light transmitting medium; and

n₂=index of refraction of material adjacent to light transmitting medium (e.g., the droplets from the vaporized payload).

The closer the indexes of refraction are between the light transmitting medium and the droplets from the vaporized payload, the more likely it will be that the light escapes the medium into one of the droplets. In some embodiments, the index of refraction of the light transmitting medium is selected so as to be substantially the same as the index of refraction of the vaporized payload so as to maximize the amount of escaped light. In other embodiments, the index of refraction of the light transmitting medium is selected so as to be slightly different than the index of refraction of the vaporized payload so as to limit the amount of escaped light, which may be beneficial in cases where it is desired to limit the amount of attenuation at the light detector. In other embodiments, the payload is modified via the use of additive(s) so as to obtain a desired index of refraction, although this approach is not preferred insofar as any such additive(s) may be inhaled by the user—i.e, it is preferred to modify the index of refraction of the light transmitting medium.

Of course, other vape devices may include any combination of the foregoing types of light sensors. For example, a vape device may include both a reflective sensor and a transmissive sensor that are used either simultaneously or sequentially to switch between the reflective and transmissive modes (depending on which mode provides better dynamic range).

Referring to FIG. 6, a first example of a vape device that relies on a light intensity measurement method to determine the dose of vaporized payload is shown generally as reference numeral 600. Vape device 600 includes a housing 602, which may comprise an internal housing or external housing of vape device 600. Positioned within housing 602 is an air flow chamber which, in this example, comprises a conduit 612 that extends between an inlet 604 and an outlet 606. It can be appreciated that the inlet and outlet orifices are defined by conduit 612. An atomizer 610 is positioned anywhere between inlet 604 and outlet 606. As described above, atomizer 610 is configured to heat and vaporize the payload contained in a payload reservoir (not shown) so as to output a vaporized payload. During a user inhalation, ambient air flows through conduit 612 from inlet 604 to atomizer 610, and ambient air mixed with vaporized payload flows through conduit 612 from atomizer 610 to outlet 606. Outlet 606 may further be in communication with a mouthpiece, as described above. Of course, it should be understood that vape device 600 may include a number of other components that are not specifically shown in FIG. 6, including a power source, a microcontroller, and other electronics, as described above in connection with vape devices 10 and 100.

With respect to vape device 600, the microcontroller is programmed to control the power source (e.g., a battery) so that the power source transmits a power signal (e.g., a direct current or pulsed direct current) to atomizer 610 in accordance with desired operational settings. When the heating element of atomizer 610 reaches the vaporization temperature of the payload contained in the payload reservoir, a portion of the payload is vaporized to thereby generate the vaporized payload for user inhalation. As described above, the microcontroller is programmed to determine the dose of vaporized payload based on a plurality of light intensity measurements obtained during user inhalation (and optionally before and after user inhalation), wherein the light intensity measurements are associated with light reflected from the vaporized payload when the vaporized payload passes through conduit 612 from atomizer 610 to outlet 606.

As shown in FIG. 6, vape device 600 includes a light source 614 and a light detector 616 positioned side-by-side within housing 602 outside of conduit 612 between atomizer 610 and outlet 606. In this example, conduit 612 includes a transparent section 618 formed on its sidewall that is located adjacent to light source 614 and light detector 616. Transparent section 618 may be made of glass or any other transparent material known to those skilled in the art. As used herein, the term “transparent” generally means transparency for light and includes both clear transparency as well as translucency. Generally, a material is considered transparent if at least about 50%, preferably about 60%, more preferably about 70%, more preferably about 80% and still more preferably about 90% of the light illuminating the material can pass through the material.

The light path between light source 614 and light detector 616 is indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 6. As can be seen, light source 614 is configured to emit light that passes through transparent section 618 and into conduit 612, whereby some of the light reflects off the vaporized payload within conduit 612 and passes back through transparent section 618 to light detector 616 (noting that some of the emitted light will not be reflected back to light detector 616). Light detector 616 is then configured to generate a signal representing the intensity of the reflected light. As discussed above, light source 614 and light detector 616 are incorporated into a light intensity measurement circuit configured to obtain a plurality of light intensity measurements during each user inhalation (and optionally before and after user inhalation) and provide such measurements to the microcontroller of vape device 600.

It should be understood that various modifications could be made to vape device 600 within the scope of the present invention. For example, in some embodiments, light source 614 and light detector 616 are positioned within conduit 612 (e.g., attached on a sidewall of conduit 612) so that the vaporized payload can flow past light source 614 and light detector 616, provided that appropriate steps are taken to protect the integrity of the components within conduit 612. In this case, transparent section 618 of conduit 612 would not be required. Of course, other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Referring to FIG. 7, a second example of a vape device that relies on a light intensity measurement method to determine the dose of vaporized payload is shown generally as reference numeral 700. Vape device 700 includes a housing 702, which may comprise an internal housing or external housing of vape device 700. Positioned within housing 702 is an air flow chamber which, in this example, comprises a conduit 712 that extends between an inlet 704 and an outlet 706. It can be appreciated that the inlet and outlet orifices are defined by conduit 712. An atomizer 710 is positioned anywhere between inlet 704 and outlet 706. As described above, atomizer 710 is configured to heat and vaporize the payload contained in a payload reservoir (not shown) so as to output a vaporized payload. During a user inhalation, ambient air flows through conduit 712 from inlet 704 to atomizer 710, and ambient air mixed with vaporized payload flows through conduit 712 from atomizer 710 to outlet 706. Outlet 706 may further be in communication with a mouthpiece, as described above. Of course, it should be understood that vape device 700 may include a number of other components that are not specifically shown in FIG. 7, including a power source, a microcontroller, and other electronics, as described above in connection with vape devices 10 and 100.

With respect to vape device 700, the microcontroller is programmed to control the power source (e.g., a battery) so that the power source transmits a power signal (e.g., a direct current or pulsed direct current) to atomizer 710 in accordance with desired operational settings. When the heating element of atomizer 710 reaches the vaporization temperature of the payload contained in the payload reservoir, a portion of the payload is vaporized to thereby generate the vaporized payload for user inhalation. As described above, the microcontroller is programmed to determine the dose of vaporized payload based on a plurality of light intensity measurements obtained during user inhalation (and optionally before and after user inhalation), wherein the light intensity measurements are associated with light transmitted through the vaporized payload when the vaporized payload passes through conduit 712 from atomizer 710 to outlet 706.

As shown in FIG. 7, vape device 700 includes a light source 714 and a light detector 716 positioned within housing 702 outside of conduit 712 between atomizer 710 and outlet 706, wherein light source 714 is positioned on a first side of conduit 712 and light detector 716 is positioned on a second opposing side of conduit 712. In this example, conduit 712 includes a first transparent section 718 formed on its sidewall adjacent light source 714 and a second transparent section 720 formed on its sidewall adjacent light detector 716. Transparent sections 718 and 720 may be made of glass or any other transparent material known to those skilled in the art.

The light path between light source 714 and light detector 716 is indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 7. As can be seen, light source 714 is configured to emit light that passes through transparent section 718 and into conduit 712, whereby the light travels through the vaporized payload within conduit 712 (noting that some of the light is absorbed by the vaporized payload) and passes through transparent section 720 to light detector 716. Light detector 716 is then configured to generate a signal representing the intensity of the light that is received at light detector 716. As discussed above, light source 714 and light detector 716 are incorporated into a light intensity measurement circuit configured to obtain a plurality of light intensity measurements during each user inhalation (and optionally before and after user inhalation) and provide such measurements to the microcontroller of vape device 700.

It should be understood that various modifications could be made to vape device 700 within the scope of the present invention. For example, in some embodiments, light source 714 and light detector 716 are positioned within conduit 712 (e.g., attached on opposing sidewalls of conduit 712) so that the vaporized payload can flow past light source 714 and light detector 716, provided that appropriate steps are taken to protect the integrity of the components within conduit 712. In this case, transparent sections 718 and 720 of conduit 712 would not be required. Of course, other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Referring to FIG. 8, a third example of a vape device that relies on a light intensity measurement method to determine the dose of vaporized payload is shown generally as reference numeral 800. In this example, vape device 800 includes a cartridge 808 and a control assembly 814 formed in separate housings 802 and 832, respectively, which are releasably connected to each other via an electromechanical connection, as described above. Housings 802 and 832 may comprise an internal housing or external housing of cartridge 808 and control assembly 814, respectively. Positioned within housings 802 and 832 is an air flow chamber which, in this example, comprises a conduit 812 that extends between an inlet 804 within control assembly 814 and an outlet 806 within cartridge 808. It can be appreciated that the inlet and outlet orifices are defined by conduit 812. An atomizer 810 is positioned anywhere between inlet 804 and outlet 806 within cartridge 808. As described above, atomizer 810 is configured to heat and vaporize the payload contained in a payload reservoir (not shown) so as to output a vaporized payload. During a user inhalation, ambient air flows through conduit 812 from inlet 804 to atomizer 810, and ambient air mixed with vaporized payload flows through conduit 812 from atomizer 810 to outlet 806. Outlet 806 may further be in communication with a mouthpiece, as described above. Of course, it should be understood that vape device 800 may include a number of other components that are not specifically shown in FIG. 8, including a power source, a microcontroller, and other electronics positioned in control assembly 814, as described above in connection with vape devices 10 and 100. It should also be understood that conduit 812 may be positioned entirely within cartridge 808, in which case conduit 812 would not extend through control assembly 814 as shown.

With respect to vape device 800, the microcontroller is programmed to control the power source (e.g., a battery) so that the power source transmits a power signal (e.g., a direct current or pulsed direct current) over the electromechanical connection to atomizer 810 in accordance with desired operational settings. When the heating element of atomizer 810 reaches the vaporization temperature of the payload contained in the payload reservoir, a portion of the payload is vaporized to thereby generate the vaporized payload for user inhalation. As described above, the microcontroller is programmed to determine the dose of vaporized payload based on a plurality of light intensity measurements obtained during user inhalation (and optionally before and after user inhalation), wherein the light intensity measurements are associated with light transmitted through the vaporized payload when the vaporized payload passes through conduit 812 from atomizer 810 to outlet 806.

As shown in FIG. 8, vape device 800 includes a light source 816 and a light detector 818 positioned within housing 832 of control assembly 814 outside of conduit 812, wherein light source 816 is positioned on a first side of conduit 812 and light detector 818 is positioned on a second opposing side of conduit 812. Also, the interface between control assembly 814 and cartridge 808 includes a first transparent window 820 located adjacent light source 816 and a second transparent window 822 located adjacent light detector 818. In addition, a first reflective surface 824 and a second reflective surface 826 are located within housing 802 of cartridge 808. As can be seen, first reflective surface 824 and first transparent window 820 are positioned to align with light source 816, and second reflective surface 826 and second transparent window 822 are positioned to align with light detector 818. Further, conduit 812 includes a first transparent section 828 formed on its sidewall adjacent first reflective surface 824 and a second transparent section 830 formed on its sidewall adjacent second reflective surface 826. Transparent sections 828 and 830 may be made of glass or any other transparent material known to those skilled in the art.

The light path between light source 816 and light detector 818 is indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 8. As can be seen, light source 816 is configured to emit light that passes through first transparent window 820 to first reflective surface 824, whereby the light is reflected and redirected though first transparent section 828 and into conduit 812. The light then travels through the vaporized payload within conduit 812 (noting that some of the light is absorbed by the vaporized payload) and passes through second transparent section 830 to second reflective surface 826, whereby the light is reflected and redirected through second transparent window 822 to light detector 818. Light detector 818 is then configured to generate a signal representing the intensity of the light that is received at light detector 818. As discussed above, light source 816 and light detector 818 are incorporated into a light intensity measurement circuit configured to obtain a plurality of light intensity measurements during each user inhalation (and optionally before and after user inhalation) and provide such measurements to the microcontroller of vape device 800.

Referring to FIG. 9, a fourth example of a vape device that relies on a light intensity measurement method to determine the dose of vaporized payload is shown generally as reference numeral 900. In this example, vape device 900 includes a cartridge 908 and a control assembly 914 formed in separate housings 902 and 928, respectively, which are releasably connected to each other via an electromechanical connection, as described above. Housings 902 and 928 may comprise an internal housing or external housing of cartridge 908 and control assembly 914, respectively. Positioned within housings 902 and 928 is an air flow chamber which, in this example, comprises a conduit 912 that extends between an inlet 904 within control assembly 914 and an outlet 906 within cartridge 908. It can be appreciated that the inlet and outlet orifices are defined by conduit 912. An atomizer 910 is positioned between inlet 904 and outlet 906 within cartridge 908. As described above, atomizer 910 is configured to heat and vaporize the payload contained in a payload reservoir (not shown) so as to output a vaporized payload. During a user inhalation, ambient air flows through conduit 912 from inlet 904 to atomizer 910, and ambient air mixed with vaporized payload flows through conduit 912 from atomizer 910 to outlet 906. Outlet 906 may further be in communication with a mouthpiece, as described above. Of course, it should be understood that vape device 900 may include a number of other components that are not specifically shown in FIG. 9, including a power source, a microcontroller, and other electronics positioned in control assembly 914, as described above in connection with vape devices 10 and 100. It should also be understood that conduit 912 may be positioned entirely within cartridge 908, in which case conduit 912 would not extend through control assembly 914 as shown.

With respect to vape device 900, the microcontroller is programmed to control the power source (e.g., a battery) so that the power source transmits a power signal (e.g., a direct current or pulsed direct current) to atomizer 910 in accordance with desired operational settings. When the heating element of atomizer 910 reaches the vaporization temperature of the payload contained in the payload reservoir, a portion of the payload is vaporized to thereby generate the vaporized payload for user inhalation. As described above, the microcontroller is programmed to determine the dose of vaporized payload based on a plurality of light intensity measurements obtained during user inhalation (and optionally before and after user inhalation), wherein the light intensity measurements are associated with light transmitted through the vaporized payload when the vaporized payload passes through conduit 912 from atomizer 910 to outlet 906.

As shown in FIG. 9, vape device 900 includes a light source 916 and a light detector 918 positioned in close proximity to each other within housing 928 of control assembly 914 outside of conduit 912. Also, the interface between control assembly 914 and cartridge 908 includes a transparent window 920 located adjacent light source 916 and light detector 918. In addition, a reflective surface 922 is located within housing 902 of cartridge 908. As can be seen, reflective surface 922 and transparent window 920 are positioned to align with light source 916 and light detector 918. Further, conduit 912 includes a transparent section 924 formed on its sidewall adjacent reflective surface 922 and a reflective section 926 formed on an opposing sidewall. Transparent section 924 may be made of glass or any other transparent material known to those skilled in the art. Reflective section 926 may be made of polished stainless steel or any other reflective material known to those skilled in the art. If the section of conduit 912 opposite transparent section 924 is sufficiently reflective (e.g., if conduit 912 is made of stainless steel), then a separate reflective section 926 would not be required and that section of conduit 912 would serve as the reflective section.

The light path between light source 916 and light detector 918 is indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 9. As can be seen, light source 916 is configured to emit light that passes through transparent window 920 to reflective surface 922, whereby the light is reflected and redirected though transparent section 924 and into conduit 912. The light then travels through the vaporized payload to reflective section 926, whereby the light is reflected and redirected back through the vaporized payload (noting that some of the light is absorbed by the vaporized payload). The light then passes through transparent section 924 to reflective surface 922, whereby the light is reflected and redirected through transparent window 904 to light detector 918. Light detector 918 is then configured to generate a signal representing the intensity of the light that is received at light detector 918. As discussed above, light source 916 and light detector 918 are incorporated into a light intensity measurement circuit configured to obtain a plurality of light intensity measurements during each user inhalation (and optionally before and after user inhalation) and provide such measurements to the microcontroller of vape device 900.

Referring to FIG. 10, a fifth example of a vape device that relies on a light intensity measurement method to determine the dose of vaporized payload is shown generally as reference numeral 1000. In this example, vape device 1000 includes a cartridge 1008 and a control assembly 1014 formed in separate housings 1002 and 1028, respectively, which are releasably connected to each other via an electromechanical connection, as described above. Housings 1002 and 1028 may comprise an internal housing or external housing of cartridge 1008 and control assembly 1014, respectively. Positioned within housings 1002 and 1028 is an air flow chamber which, in this example, comprises a conduit 1012 that extends between an inlet 1004 within control assembly 1014 and an outlet 1006 within cartridge 1008. It can be appreciated that the inlet and outlet orifices are defined by conduit 1012. An atomizer 1010 is positioned anywhere between inlet 1004 and outlet 1006 within cartridge 1008. As described above, atomizer 1010 is configured to heat and vaporize the payload contained in a payload reservoir (not shown) so as to output a vaporized payload. During a user inhalation, ambient air flows through conduit 1012 from inlet 1004 to atomizer 1010, and ambient air mixed with vaporized payload flows through conduit 1012 from atomizer 1010 to outlet 1006. Outlet 1006 may further be in communication with a mouthpiece, as described above. Of course, it should be understood that vape device 1000 may include a number of other components that are not specifically shown in FIG. 10, including a power source, a microcontroller, and other electronics positioned in control assembly 1014, as described above in connection with vape devices 10 and 100. It should also be understood that conduit 1012 may be positioned entirely within cartridge 1008, in which case conduit 1012 would not extend through control assembly 1014 as shown.

With respect to vape device 1000, the microcontroller is programmed to control the power source (e.g., a battery) so that the power source transmits a power signal (e.g., a direct current or pulsed direct current) to atomizer 1010 in accordance with desired operational settings. When the heating element of atomizer 1010 reaches the vaporization temperature of the payload contained in the payload reservoir, a portion of the payload is vaporized to thereby generate the vaporized payload for user inhalation. As described above, the microcontroller is programmed to determine the dose of vaporized payload based on a plurality of light intensity measurements obtained during user inhalation (and optionally before and after user inhalation), wherein the light intensity measurements are associated with light transmitted through the vaporized payload when the vaporized payload passes through conduit 1012 from atomizer 1010 to outlet 1006.

As shown in FIG. 10, vape device 1000 includes a light source 1016 positioned within housing 1002 of cartridge 1008 outside of conduit 1012 and a light detector 1018 positioned within housing 1028 of control assembly 1014 outside of conduit 1012. Also, the interface between control assembly 1014 and cartridge 1008 includes a transparent window 1020 located adjacent light detector 1018. In addition, a reflective surface 1022 is located within housing 1002 of cartridge 1008 outside of conduit 1012. As can be seen, reflective surface 1022 and transparent window 1020 are positioned to align with light detector 1018. Further, conduit 1012 includes a first transparent section 1024 formed on its sidewall adjacent reflective surface 1022 and a second transparent section 1026 formed on an opposing sidewall. Transparent sections 1024 and 1026 may be made of glass or any other transparent material known to those skilled in the art.

The light path between light source 1016 and light detector 1018 is indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 10. As can be seen, light source 1016 is configured to emit light that passes through second transparent section 1026 and into conduit 1012. The light travels through the vaporized payload within conduit 1012 (noting that some of the light is absorbed by the vaporized payload) and passes through first transparent section 1024 to reflective surface 1022, whereby the light is reflected and redirected though transparent window 1020 to light detector 1018. Light detector 1018 is then configured to generate a signal representing the intensity of the light that is received at light detector 1018. As discussed above, light source 1016 and light detector 1018 are incorporated into a light intensity measurement circuit configured to obtain a plurality of light intensity measurements during each user inhalation (and optionally before and after user inhalation) and provide such measurements to the microcontroller of vape device 1000.

Referring to FIG. 11A, a sixth example of a vape device that relies on a light intensity measurement method to determine the dose of vaporized payload is shown generally as reference numeral 1100. Vape device 1100 includes a housing 1102, which may comprise an internal housing or external housing of vape device 1100. Positioned within housing 1102 is an air flow chamber which, in this example, comprises a conduit 1112 that extends between an inlet 1104 and an outlet 1106. It can be appreciated that the inlet and outlet orifices are defined by conduit 1112. An atomizer 1110 is positioned anywhere between inlet 1104 and outlet 1106. As described above, atomizer 1110 is configured to heat and vaporize the payload contained in a payload reservoir (not shown) so as to output a vaporized payload. During a user inhalation, ambient air flows through conduit 1112 from inlet 1104 to atomizer 1110, and ambient air mixed with vaporized payload flows through conduit 1112 from atomizer 1110 to outlet 1106. Outlet 1106 may further be in communication with a mouthpiece, as described above. Of course, it should be understood that vape device 1100 may include a number of other components that are not specifically shown in FIG. 11A, including a power source, a microcontroller, and other electronics, as described above in connection with vape devices 10 and 100.

With respect to vape device 1100, the microcontroller is programmed to control the power source (e.g., a battery) so that the power source transmits a power signal (e.g., a direct current or pulsed direct current) to atomizer 1110 in accordance with desired operational settings. When the heating element of atomizer 1110 reaches the vaporization temperature of the payload contained in the payload reservoir, a portion of the payload is vaporized to thereby generate the vaporized payload for user inhalation. As described above, the microcontroller is programmed to determine the dose of vaporized payload based on a plurality of light intensity measurements obtained before, during, and after user inhalation, wherein the light intensity measurements in this example are associated with light transmitted through a light transmitting medium positioned parallel to the path of the vaporized payload within conduit 1112, as described below.

As shown in FIG. 11A, vape device 1100 includes a light source 1114 and a light detector 1116 spaced apart from each other within housing 1102 outside of conduit 1112 between atomizer 1110 and outlet 1106. Also, vape device 1100 includes one or more fibers made of glass, plastic, or another material with an index of refraction that is sufficiently similar to that of the payload and sufficiently different from that of air, as discussed above, which will be referred to herein as a “glass fiber 1118” for ease of reference. In this example, glass fiber 1118 is positioned substantially inside of conduit 1118 and extends generally parallel to the direction of the airflow. One end 1118 a of glass fiber 1118 extends through an opening in the sidewall of conduit 1112 so as to be positioned outside of conduit 1112 adjacent light source 1114. The other end 1118 b of glass fiber 1118 penetrates through another opening in the sidewall of conduit 1112 so as to be positioned outside of conduit 1112 adjacent light detector 1116. Any suitable sealant may be used to seal the openings in conduit 1112 so as to prevent the leakage of vaporized payload therethrough.

The light path between light source 1114 and light detector 1116 through glass fiber 1118 can be understood with reference to the simplified diagrams shown in FIGS. 11B and 11C.

FIG. 11B shows the surface of glass fiber 1118 surrounded entirely by air, i.e., prior to any use of vape device 1100. The light emitted by light source 1114 travels through glass fiber 1118 to light detector 1116 in a light path indicated by the dashed lines in FIG. 11B. As can be seen, when the light impacts each glass/air boundary at an angle, the light totally reflects back into glass fiber 1118 (i.e., total internal reflection) due to the differences between their respective indexes of refraction. Thus, the light detected by light detector 1116 has substantially the same intensity as the light emitted by light source 1114.

FIG. 11C shows the surface of glass fiber 1118 with vaporized payload (an oil droplet in this example) deposited on a portion of the surface. The light emitted by light source 1114 travels through glass fiber 1118 to light detector 1116 in a light path indicated by the dashed lines in FIG. 11C. As can be seen, when the light impacts the glass/oil boundary at an angle, the light will escape glass fiber 1118 and enter the oil, and some of the light may further escape the oil into the air. However, when the light impacts the glass/air boundary at an angle (i.e., in areas where there are no oil droplets on the surface), the light reflects back into glass fiber 1118. Thus, the level of attenuation of the light received by light detector 1116 will be dependent on the amount of oil deposited on the surface of glass fiber 1118.

It can be appreciated that light detector 1116 is configured to generate a signal representing the intensity of the received light. As discussed above, light source 1114 and light detector 1116 are incorporated into a light intensity measurement circuit configured to obtain a plurality of light intensity measurements before, during, and after each user inhalation and provide such measurements to the microcontroller of vape device 1100.

It should be understood that various modifications could be made to vape device 1100 within the scope of the present invention. For example, in some embodiments, glass fiber 1118 is positioned entirely inside of conduit 1112. In this case, a first transparent section is formed on the sidewall of conduit 1112 adjacent light source 1114 to provide a light path between glass fiber 1118 and light source 1114 and, similarly, a second transparent section is formed on the sidewall of conduit 1112 adjacent light detector 1116 to provide a light path between glass fiber 1118 and light detector 1116. The transparent sections may be made of glass or any other transparent material known to those skilled in the art. In this case, conduit 1112 would not need openings for the ends of glass fiber 1118. In yet other embodiments, glass fiber 1118 is replaced with another material having an index of refraction similar to that of the vaporized payload, as discussed above. Of course, other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Referring to FIG. 12, a seventh example of a vape device that relies on a light intensity measurement method to determine the dose of vaporized payload is shown generally as reference numeral 1200. Vape device 1200 includes a housing 1202, which may comprise an internal housing or external housing of vape device 1200. Positioned within housing 1202 is an air flow chamber which, in this example, comprises a conduit 1212 that extends between an inlet 1204 and an outlet 1206. It can be appreciated that the inlet and outlet orifices are defined by conduit 1212. An atomizer 1210 is positioned anywhere between inlet 1204 and outlet 1206. As described above, atomizer 1210 is configured to heat and vaporize the payload contained in a payload reservoir (not shown) so as to output a vaporized payload. During a user inhalation, ambient air flows through conduit 1212 from inlet 1204 to atomizer 1210, and ambient air mixed with vaporized payload flows through conduit 1212 from atomizer 1210 to outlet 1206. Outlet 1206 may further be in communication with a mouthpiece, as described above. Of course, it should be understood that vape device 1200 may include a number of other components that are not specifically shown in FIG. 12, including a power source, a microcontroller, and other electronics, as described above in connection with vape devices 10 and 100.

With respect to vape device 1200, the microcontroller is programmed to control the power source (e.g., a battery) so that the power source transmits a power signal (e.g., a direct current or pulsed direct current) to atomizer 1210 in accordance with desired operational settings. When the heating element of atomizer 1210 reaches the vaporization temperature of the payload contained in the payload reservoir, a portion of the payload is vaporized to thereby generate the vaporized payload for user inhalation. As described above, the microcontroller is programmed to determine the dose of vaporized payload based on a plurality of light intensity measurements obtained before, during, and after user inhalation, wherein the light intensity measurements in this example are associated with light transmitted through a light transmitting medium positioned perpendicular to the path of the vaporized payload within conduit 1212, as described below.

As shown in FIG. 12, vape device 1200 includes a light source 1214 and a light detector 1216 positioned within housing 1202 outside of conduit 1212 between atomizer 1210 and outlet 1206, wherein light source 1214 is positioned on a first side of conduit 1212 and light detector 1216 is positioned on a second opposing side of conduit 1212. Also, vape device 1200 includes one or more fibers made of glass, plastic, or another material with an index of refraction that is sufficiently similar to that of the payload and sufficiently different from that of air, as discussed above, which will be referred to herein as a “glass fiber 1218” for ease of reference. Glass fiber 1218 is positioned substantially inside of conduit 1212 and extends generally perpendicular to the direction of the airflow. One end 1218 a of glass fiber 1218 extends through an opening in the sidewall of conduit 1212 so as to be positioned outside of conduit 1212 adjacent light source 1214. The other end 1218 b of glass fiber 1218 penetrates through another opening in the sidewall of conduit 1212 so as to be positioned outside of conduit 1212 adjacent light detector 1216. Any suitable sealant may be used to seal the openings in conduit 1212 so as to prevent the leakage of vaporized payload therethrough.

The light path between light source 1214 and light detector 1216 through glass fiber 1218 can be understood from the description of FIGS. 11B and 11C above, wherein light detector 1216 is configured to generate a signal representing the intensity of the received light. As discussed above, light source 1214 and light detector 1216 are incorporated into a light intensity measurement circuit configured to obtain a plurality of light intensity measurements before, during, and after each user inhalation and provide such measurements to the microcontroller of vape device 1200.

It should be understood that various modifications could be made to vape device 1200 within the scope of the present invention. For example, in some embodiments, glass fiber 1218 is positioned entirely inside of conduit 1212. In this case, a first transparent section is formed on the sidewall of conduit 1212 adjacent light source 1214 to provide a light path between glass fiber 1218 and light source 1214 and, similarly, a second transparent section is formed on the sidewall of conduit 1212 adjacent light detector 1216 to provide a light path between glass fiber 1218 and light detector 1216. The transparent sections may be made of glass or any other transparent material known to those skilled in the art. In this case, conduit 1212 would not need openings for the ends of glass fiber 1218. In yet other embodiments, glass fiber 1218 is replaced with another material having an index of refraction similar to that of the vaporized payload, as discussed above. Of course, other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Referring to FIG. 13, an eighth example of a vape device that relies on a light intensity measurement method to determine the dose of vaporized payload is shown generally as reference numeral 1300. Vape device 1300 includes a housing 1302, which may comprise an internal housing or external housing of vape device 1300. Positioned within housing 1302 is an air flow chamber which, in this example, comprises a conduit 1312 that extends between an inlet 1304 and an outlet 1306. It can be appreciated that the inlet and outlet orifices are defined by conduit 1312. An atomizer 1310 is positioned anywhere between inlet 1304 and outlet 1306. As described above, atomizer 1310 is configured to heat and vaporize the payload contained in a payload reservoir (not shown) so as to output a vaporized payload. During a user inhalation, ambient air flows through conduit 1312 from inlet 1304 to atomizer 1310, and ambient air mixed with vaporized payload flows through conduit 1312 from atomizer 1310 to outlet 1306. Outlet 1306 may further be in communication with a mouthpiece, as described above. Of course, it should be understood that vape device 1300 may include a number of other components that are not specifically shown in FIG. 13, including a power source, a microcontroller, and other electronics, as described above in connection with vape devices 10 and 100.

With respect to vape device 1300, the microcontroller is programmed to control the power source (e.g., a battery) so that the power source transmits a power signal (e.g., a direct current or pulsed direct current) to atomizer 1310 in accordance with desired operational settings. When the heating element of atomizer 1310 reaches the vaporization temperature of the payload contained in the payload reservoir, a portion of the payload is vaporized to thereby generate the vaporized payload for user inhalation. As described above, the microcontroller is programmed to determine the dose of vaporized payload based on a plurality of light intensity measurements obtained before, during and after user inhalation, wherein the light intensity measurements in this example are associated with light transmitted through a glass section of conduit 1312, as described below.

As shown in FIG. 13, vape device 1300 includes a light source 1314 and a light detector 1316 spaced apart from each other within housing 1302 outside of conduit 1312 between atomizer 1310 and outlet 1306. Also, in this example, conduit 1312 includes a flat or curved section made of glass, plastic, or another material with an index of refraction that is sufficiently similar to that of the payload and sufficiently different from that of air, as discussed above, which will be referred to herein as a “glass section 1318” for ease of reference. Glass section 1318 extends along the length of conduit 1312 such that one end of glass section 1318 is positioned adjacent light source 1314 and the other end of glass section 1318 is positioned adjacent light detector 1316.

The light path between light source 1314 and light detector 1316 through glass section 1318 can be understood from the description of FIGS. 11B and 11C above, wherein light detector 1316 is configured to generate a signal representing the intensity of the received light. As discussed above, light source 1314 and light detector 1316 are incorporated into a light intensity measurement circuit configured to obtain a plurality of light intensity measurements before, during and after each user inhalation and provide such measurements to the microcontroller of vape device 1300.

It should be understood that various modifications could be made to vape device 1300 within the scope of the present invention. For example, in some embodiments, a mirrored coating may be applied to the non-vapor side of glass section 1318, i.e., the outside surface of glass section 1318. In this case, light would still escape glass section 1318 when vaporized payload is deposited on the inside surface of glass section 1318. In other embodiments, all of conduit 1312 (not just glass section 1318) may be made of glass—either with or without a mirrored coating on the outside surface of conduit 1312. In yet other embodiments, glass section 1318 is made of another material having an index of refraction similar to that of the vaporized payload, as discussed above. Of course, other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

It should also be understood that any of vape devices 1100, 1200 and 1300 could be modified by placing a mirrored finish on the far end of the light transmitting medium from the light source so that the light sensor may be co-located with the light source. If the vape device includes a cartridge and a control assembly formed in separate housings that are releasably connected to each other via an electromechanical connection, as described above, this modification would enable the light source and/or the light detector to be positioned within the control assembly while the light transmitting medium is located within the cartridge (similar to the configurations shown in FIGS. 8-10).

Of course, other modifications to vape devices 1100, 1200 and 1300 will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the glass fiber may be oriented at any angle within the conduit and is not limited to being positioned parallel to the direction of airflow (as in the vape device of FIG. 11A) or perpendicular to the direction of airflow (as in the vape device of FIG. 12). In addition, the glass fiber may follow the contour of the conduit, either in a direct line or helix.

Further, in each of the vape devices shown in FIGS. 6-13 above, the light intensity measurement circuit is configured to provide the light intensity measurements obtained during user inhalation (and optionally before and after user inhalation) to the microcontroller of the vape device. In some embodiments, the microcontroller is programmed to determine the dose of payload that is vaporized during each user inhalation by performing the following steps: (1) acquiring a plurality of light intensity measurements from the light intensity measurement circuit during user inhalation (and optionally before and after user inhalation) and (2) using the information from step 1 to determine the vapor density of the vaporized payload and by extension the partial mass of the payload that is vaporized during user inhalation.

In some embodiments, the method may be further refined (optionally) by varying the intensity of the light signal emitted by the light source and/or the gain of the light detector in order to adjust the sensitivity.

In some embodiments, the method may be further refined (optionally) by applying an electric field to the air flow chamber so as to orient a plurality of molecules in the vaporized payload when the vaporized payload passes through the conduit in order to improve their reflective properties.

Finally, it should be understood that all or a portion of the processing steps performed by the microcontroller of the vape device, as described above, could alternatively be performed by one or more other microcontrollers, such as a secondary microcontroller positioned in a cartridge of the vape device (for embodiments in which the vape device comprises a cartridge releasably connected to a control assembly). Various embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Dose Determination/Vapor Droplet Counting Method Using Hot Wire Anemometers

In some embodiments, the vape device utilizes two or more hot wire anemometers to determine the mass of the vaporized payload that was delivered to the user during each user inhalation and/or to determine the size and density distribution of the droplets in the vaporized payload and use such distribution to calculate the total mass of the vaporized payload that was delivered to the user during each user inhalation.

Referring to FIG. 14, an example of a vape device that relies on this method to determine the dose of vaporized payload is shown generally as reference numeral 1400. Vape device 1400 includes a housing 1402, which may comprise an internal housing or external housing of vape device 1400. Positioned within housing 1402 is an air flow chamber which, in this example, comprises a conduit 1412 that extends between an inlet 1404 and an outlet 1406. It can be appreciated that the inlet and outlet orifices are defined by conduit 1412. An atomizer 1410 is positioned anywhere between inlet 1404 and outlet 1406. As described above, atomizer 1410 is configured to heat and vaporize the payload contained in a payload reservoir (not shown) so as to output a vaporized payload. During a user inhalation, ambient air flows through conduit 1412 from inlet 1404 to atomizer 1410, and ambient air mixed with vaporized payload flows through conduit 1412 from atomizer 1410 to outlet 1406. Outlet 1406 may further be in communication with a mouthpiece, as described above. Of course, it should be understood that vape device 1400 may include a number of other components that are not specifically shown in FIG. 14, including a power source, a microcontroller, and other electronics, as described above in connection with vape devices 10 and 100.

With respect to vape device 1400, the microcontroller is programmed to control the power source (e.g., a battery) so that the power source transmits a power signal (e.g., a direct current or pulsed direct current) to atomizer 1410 in accordance with desired operational settings. When the heating element of atomizer 1410 reaches the vaporization temperature of the payload contained in the payload reservoir, a portion of the payload is vaporized to thereby generate the vaporized payload for user inhalation.

A rough dose estimate for each user inhalation can be determined by integrating the power draw versus time of the heating element of atomizer 1410 and comparing it with the amount of payload theoretically vaporized based on the specific heat and heat of vaporization of the payload. However, this dose estimate may not be accurate enough for critical pharmaceutical delivery applications, especially in the case of multi-component payloads in which partial fractionation of the mixture may occur at the interface between the wick and heating element of atomizer 1410. Therefore, in order to provide a more accurate and repeatable measurement of the total mass of the payload vaporized during each user inhalation, vape device 1400 may utilize a number of different components and circuits, as described below.

In this example, vape device 1400 includes three hot wire anemometers—a reference hot wire anemometer 1414 located within conduit 1412 between inlet 1404 and atomizer 1410 and two sampling hot wire anemometers 1416 and 1418 located within conduit 1412 between atomizer 1410 and outlet 1406. The wire filament of each of these anemometers may be made of tungsten, platinum or platinum-iridium, although other materials known to those skilled in the art may also be used.

Vape device 1400 also includes two temperature sensors—a first temperature sensor 1420 located within conduit 1412 between inlet 1404 and atomizer 1410 and a second temperature sensor 1422 located within conduit 1412 between atomizer 1410 and outlet 1406. Each of temperature sensors 1420 and 1422 may comprise any type of component capable of sensing the temperature at the designated locations, such as a thermistor, a thermocouple, an infrared sensor, a bandgap temperature sensor, an analog temperature sensor, or a digital temperature sensor. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that other types of temperature sensors may be used in accordance with the present invention.

Reference hot wire anemometer 1414 is incorporated into a circuit configured to measure the velocity of air flowing over the wire. The circuit may comprise, for example, a constant temperature Wheatstone bridge circuit, as known to those skilled in the art. During each user inhalation, an electric current is sent through the wire, causing the wire to become hot. As air flows over the wire, it cools the wire and removes some of its heat energy. By integrating the instantaneous heat loss from the wire over time, the anemometer provides a baseline reading of the air flow rate through conduit 1412 during user inhalation, which may be used along with the information from sampling hot wire anemometers 1416 and 1418 (discussed below) to determine the dose of the vaporized payload.

Sampling hot wire anemometer 1416 is incorporated into a circuit configured to measure the mass of vaporized payload passing by the wire during each user inhalation. By passing current through the wire of hot wire anemometer 1416 so that it operates at a temperature that is above the boiling point of each of the components in the payload, individual collisions of the wire with the droplets in the vaporized payload can be measured. Goldschmidt, Victor W. “Measurement of Aerosol Concentrations with a Hot Wire Anemometer,” Journal of Colloid Science 20, 617-634 (1965). Counting the number of droplets detected over time can serve as input in determining the total mass of vaporized payload delivered during each user inhalation, provided the size distribution of the droplets in the vaporized payload is known, narrow and constant. This enables the accuracy of the dose determination to be significantly improved. It should be understood that sampling hot wire anemometer 1418 operates in the same manner.

Sampling hot wire anemometers 1416 and 1418 may also be operated at different temperatures to enable detection of different components in the vaporized payload. For example, assume that the vaporized payload contains components A and B, wherein the boiling point of component A is lower than the boiling point of component B. In this case, hot wire anemometer 1416 is operated at a temperature that is higher than the boiling point of component A, but lower than the boiling point of component B. Also, hot wire anemometer 1418 is operated at a temperature that is higher than the boiling points of components A and B. It can be appreciated that this arrangement enables the dose of each of components A and B to be determined.

It should be noted that sampling hot wire anemometer 1416 may be fouled by deposition of component B. In order to address this issue, the “roles” of sampling hot wire anemometers 1416 and 1418 may be swapped between successive user inhalations (i.e., the operating temperatures of the anemometers are successively swapped) so that component B is vaporized over the course of using vape device 1400.

First temperature sensor 1420 is incorporated into a first temperature measurement circuit configured to obtain a plurality of temperature measurements during user inhalation in order to determine the ambient temperature of the incoming air. Second temperature sensor 1422 is incorporated into a second temperature measurement circuit configured to obtain a plurality of temperature measurements during user inhalation in order to determine the temperature of the vaporized payload/air mixture. This data may be used along with the information from reference hot wire anemometer 1414 and sampling hot wire anemometers 1416 and 1418 to determine the dose of the vaporized payload.

The above implementation is suitable for cases in which the size distribution of the droplets in the vaporized payload is known, narrow and constant. However, if the distribution of droplet sizes is wide and changing over the duration of the user inhalation, the accuracy of the dose determination will suffer. In order to address these issues, it is preferable to utilize a component and circuit arrangement that enables the microcontroller to determine the size and density distribution of the droplets in the vaporized payload and use such distribution to calculate the total mass of the vaporized payload that was delivered to the user during each user inhalation.

FIG. 15 shows an exemplary embodiment of such a component and circuit arrangement that may be incorporated into a vape device. In this example, the vape device includes a reference hot wire anemometer that operates in the same manner as reference hot wire anemometer 1414 described above. The vape device also includes an array of sampling hot wire anemometers (SHWAT₁, SHWAT₂, SHWAT₃ . . . SHWAT_(m-1), SHWAT_(m)) each of which operates at a distinct temperature (T₁, T₂, T₃ . . . T_(m-1), T_(m)) in order to enable detection of different components in the vaporized payload, as described above. In addition, the vape device includes two thermistors (Thermistor 1 and Thermistor 2) that operate in the same manner as temperature sensors 1420 and 1422 described above.

It can be seen that each of the sampling hot wire anemometers (SHWAT₁, SHWAT₂, SHWAT₃ . . . SHWAT_(m-1), SHWAT_(m)) are connected to an array of monostable multivibrator (one shot) modules with different triggering thresholds (MM-TT₁, MM-TT₂, TT₃ . . . MM-TT_(n-1), MM-TT_(n)) and an array of associated digital counters (DC-TT₁, DC-TT₂, DC-TT₃ . . . DC-TT_(n-1), DC-TT_(n),). The triggering thresholds of the monostable multivibrator modules are segmented to cover bands of droplet size detection sensitivity in order to more granularly determine the droplet size distribution and density in the vaporized payload.

Specifically, each of the monostable multivibrator modules has an individual triggering threshold tailored to be sensitive to a droplet of a minimum size. For example, the most sensitive monostable multivibrator module would count every size droplet, and the second most sensitive monostable multivibrator module would count every size droplet except the smallest size droplet. By subtracting the number of droplets detected by the second most sensitive monostable multivibrator module from the number of droplets detected by the most sensitive monostable multivibrator module, the number of the smallest size droplets within that band can be determined. This scheme can be extended until the desired number of droplet size bands is represented. The size and density distribution of the droplets in the vaporized payload may then be integrated over the time period of the user inhalation in order to calculate the total mass of the vaporized payload that was delivered to the user during each user inhalation.

In some embodiments, a standardized aerosol generator may be used to calibrate the vape device using various droplet size and density settings.

Finally, it should be understood that all or a portion of the processing steps performed by the microcontroller of vape device 1400, as described above, could alternatively be performed by one or more other microcontrollers, such as a secondary microcontroller (not shown) positioned in a cartridge of vape device 1400 (for embodiments in which vape device 1400 comprises a cartridge releasably connected to a control assembly). Various embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Dose Control System

The methods of measuring dosage described above may be used independently, or in any combination, to record the dose administered to the user and report it to personal computing device 72 or an equivalent device. Alternatively, the desired dose can be set in advance by the user through an on-vaporizer input method (e.g., buttons, dial, etc.) or through interaction with application 74 running on personal computing device 72. The user then inhales until the user-specified dose is administered, at which point the vape device stops vaporizing to thereby provide an accurate means of dose control.

III. General Information

In this disclosure, the use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., “for example” or “as an example”) is intended merely to better describe the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention. No language in the disclosure should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

Also, the use of the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a system, device, or method that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such system, device, or method.

Further, the use of relative relational terms, such as first and second, are used solely to distinguish one unit or action from another unit or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such units or actions.

Finally, while the present invention has been described and illustrated hereinabove with reference to various exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that various modifications could be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, while the methods of measuring dosage are described above for use in a vape device, some of these methods (e.g., the light measurement methods and/or hot wire anemometer methods) could be used in a nebulizer. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the specific structural configurations, circuits or methodologies of the exemplary embodiments, except insofar as such limitations are included in the following claims. 

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is as follows:
 1. A vape device for determining a dose of a payload delivered to a user during each of a plurality of user inhalations, comprising: a payload reservoir configured to contain a payload to be vaporized; an air flow chamber that extends between and inlet and an outlet; a power source configured to generate a power signal during each respective user inhalation; an atomizer located between the inlet and the outlet of the air flow chamber, wherein the atomizer is configured to receive the power signal and vaporize a portion of the payload to thereby generate a vaporized payload during each respective user inhalation; and a microcontroller programmed to determine a dose of the vaporized payload for each respective user inhalation based on: (a) determining an amount of energy used to vaporize the portion of the payload during the user inhalation; and (b) determining a partial mass of the payload that is vaporized during the user inhalation based on the amount of energy used to vaporize the portion of the payload during the user inhalation.
 2. The vape device of claim 1, further comprising a memory device configured to store information that enables the microcontroller to correlate the amount of energy used to vaporize the portion of the payload during the user inhalation to the partial mass of the payload that is vaporized during the user inhalation.
 3. The vape device of claim 1, wherein the vape device comprises a cartridge releasably connected to a control assembly, and wherein the microcontroller is contained within the control assembly.
 4. The vape device of claim 1, wherein the vape device comprises a cartridge releasably connected to a control assembly, and wherein the microcontroller is contained within the cartridge.
 5. The vape device of claim 1, wherein the power source comprises a battery, and wherein the power signal comprises a direct current or a pulsed direct current.
 6. The vape device of claim 1, wherein the microcontroller is programmed to determine the amount of energy used to vaporize the portion of the payload during the user inhalation based on: (a) determining an amount of power provided to the atomizer during the user inhalation; (b) determining a duration of the user inhalation; and (c) determining the amount of energy based on the amount of power provided to the atomizer during the user inhalation and the duration of the user inhalation.
 7. The vape device claim 1, wherein the microcontroller is further programmed to: (a) determine an amount of energy used to heat the atomizer to a vaporization temperature during the user inhalation; and (b) adjust the amount of energy used to vaporize the portion of the payload during the user inhalation by subtracting the amount of energy used to heat the atomizer to the vaporization temperature during the user inhalation.
 8. The vape device of claim 1, wherein the microcontroller is further programmed to adjust the amount of energy used to vaporize the portion of the payload during the user inhalation to account for one or more of the following operating conditions: a starting temperature of the vape device, a starting temperature of the payload, a temperature of ambient air, a relative humidity of ambient air, a pressure of ambient air, an output voltage of the power source, and a temperature ramp rate of the atomizer.
 9. The vape device of claim 1, wherein the microcontroller is further programmed to: (a) determine an air flow rate within the air flow chamber during the user inhalation; and (b) adjust the amount of energy used to vaporize the portion of the payload during the user inhalation to account for the air flow rate.
 10. The vape device of claim 1, further comprising a wireless transceiver configured to transmit the dose of the vaporized payload to an external computing device.
 11. The vape device of claim 1, wherein transmission of the power signal to the atomizer is disabled when the dose of the vaporized payload reaches a specified dose.
 12. The vape device of claim 1, wherein the microcontroller is programmed to determine a remaining amount of the payload in the payload reservoir based on (a) the total amount of the payload and (b) an aggregated amount of the payload that has been vaporized during previous user inhalations.
 13. The vape device of claim 12, wherein the microcontroller is programmed to provide a notice when the remaining amount of the payload in the payload reservoir is below a minimum level.
 14. A vape device for determining a dose of a payload delivered to a user during each of a plurality of user inhalations, comprising: a payload reservoir configured to contain a payload to be vaporized; an air flow chamber that extends between and inlet and an outlet; a power source configured to generate a power signal during each respective user inhalation; an atomizer located between the inlet and the outlet of the air flow chamber, wherein the atomizer is configured to receive the power signal and vaporize a portion of the payload to thereby generate a vaporized payload during each respective user inhalation; and a microcontroller programmed to: determine a dose of the vaporized payload for each respective user inhalation based on: (a) determining an amount of energy used to vaporize the portion of the payload during the user inhalation based on an amount of power provided to the atomizer during the user inhalation and a duration of the user inhalation; and (b) determining a partial mass of the payload that is vaporized during the user inhalation based on the amount of energy used to vaporize the portion of the payload during the user inhalation; disable transmission of the power signal to the atomizer when the dose of the vaporized payload reaches a specified dose.
 15. The vape device claim 14, wherein the microcontroller is further programmed to: (a) determine an amount of energy used to heat the atomizer to a vaporization temperature during the user inhalation; and (b) adjust the amount of energy used to vaporize the portion of the payload during the user inhalation by subtracting the amount of energy used to heat the atomizer to the vaporization temperature during the user inhalation.
 16. The vape device of claim 14, wherein the microcontroller is further programmed to adjust the amount of energy used to vaporize the portion of the payload during the user inhalation to account for one or more of the following operating conditions: a starting temperature of the vape device, a starting temperature of the payload, a temperature of ambient air, a relative humidity of ambient air, a pressure of ambient air, an output voltage of the power source, and a temperature ramp rate of the atomizer.
 17. The vape device of claim 14, wherein the microcontroller is further programmed to: (a) determine an air flow rate within the air flow chamber during the user inhalation; and (b) adjust the amount of energy used to vaporize the portion of the payload during the user inhalation to account for the air flow rate.
 18. A method for determining a dose of a payload delivered to a user of a vape device during each of a plurality of user inhalations, comprising: holding a payload to be vaporized; vaporizing a portion of the payload by transmitting a power signal from a power source to an atomizer located between and inlet and an outlet of an air flow chamber to thereby generate a vaporized payload during each respective user inhalation; and determining a dose of the vaporized payload for each respective user inhalation based on: (a) determining an amount of energy used to vaporize the portion of the payload during the user inhalation; and (b) determining a partial mass of the payload that is vaporized during the user inhalation based on the amount of energy used to vaporize the portion of the payload during the user inhalation.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: (a) identifying one or more components within the payload; (b) identifying a relative percentage and a boiling point for each of the components within the payload; and (c) determining a mass of each of the components within the portion of the payload that is vaporized during the user inhalation.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprising determining an optimal vaporization temperature for the payload based on the relative percentage and the boiling point for each of the components within the payload. 